Electronic device, method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for controlling plurality of displays on basis of state of foldable housing

Abstract

A foldable electronic device is provided. The foldable electronic device may detect the state of the foldable electronic device by using at least one of at least one first sensor or at least one second sensor. The foldable electronic device, in a folded state, may display a first screen on a cover display. While the first screen is displayed on the cover display, the foldable electronic device may detect that at least one housing part is opened. On the basis of detecting that a first housing part or a second housing part is opened, the foldable electronic device may maintain the display of the first screen on the cover display and display a second screen on a partial area of a flexible display.

Description

Electronic device, method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for controlling multiple displays based on the state of a foldable housing

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device, a method, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for controlling multiple displays based on a state of a foldable housing.

[0002] The shape and / or size of electronic devices are diversifying. To enhance mobility, electronic devices with reduced size and / or volume are being designed. Electronic devices may include a display for visualizing information. As the number of functions supported by electronic devices increases, the size of the display may increase to visualize more information to the user and / or to support the execution of the functions. For example, electronic devices may be designed to be reduced in size and / or volume while maintaining or increasing the size of the display.

[0003] The above information is provided solely as background information to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No determination is made, and no assertion is made, regarding whether any of the above constitutes prior art to the present disclosure.

[0004] One aspect of the present disclosure is to address at least the problems and / or disadvantages mentioned above, and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an electronic device, a method, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for controlling multiple displays based on the state of a foldable housing.

[0005] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosed embodiments.

[0006] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a foldable electronic device is provided. The foldable electronic device may include a foldable housing including a first housing part, a second housing part rotatably coupled with the first housing part, and a third housing part rotatably coupled with the second housing part, a flexible display disposed across the first housing part, the second housing part, and the third housing part, a cover display disposed in a portion of an opposite side of the flexible display, at least one first sensor configured to detect a first angle between the first housing part and the second housing part, and at least one second sensor configured to detect a second angle between the second housing part and the third housing part, a memory including one or more storage media storing instructions, and at least one processor including a processing circuit. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the foldable electronic device to detect a state of the foldable electronic device using at least one of the at least one first sensor or the at least one second sensor. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the foldable electronic device to display a first screen on the cover display while the foldable electronic device is in a fully folded state. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the foldable electronic device to detect that the first housing part or the third housing part of the foldable electronic device in the folded state is opened while displaying the first screen on the cover display.The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the foldable electronic device to maintain displaying the first screen on the cover display and to display a second screen on a portion of the flexible display based on detecting that the first housing part or the third housing part is open.

[0007] In one embodiment, a method performed by a foldable electronic device is provided. The electronic device may include a foldable housing including a first housing part, a second housing part rotatably coupled with the first housing part, and a third housing part rotatably coupled with the second housing part, a flexible display disposed across the first housing part, the second housing part, and the third housing part, a cover display disposed in a portion of an opposite side of the flexible display, at least one first sensor configured to detect a first angle between the first housing part and the second housing part, and at least one second sensor configured to detect a second angle between the second housing part and the third housing part. The method may include an operation of detecting a state of the foldable electronic device using at least one of the at least one first sensor or the at least one second sensor. The method may include an operation of displaying a first screen on the cover display while the foldable electronic device is in a fully folded state. The method may include an operation of detecting that the first housing part or the third housing part of the foldable electronic device in the folded state is opened while displaying the first screen on the cover display. The method may include an operation of maintaining the display of the first screen on the cover display and displaying a second screen on a portion of the flexible display based on detecting that the first housing part or the third housing part is opened.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media are provided that store one or more instructions, which when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor of a foldable electronic device, cause the foldable electronic device to perform operations. The foldable electronic device includes a first housing part, a second housing part rotatably coupled with the first housing part, and a third housing part rotatably coupled with the second housing part, a flexible display disposed across the first housing part, the second housing part, and the third housing part, a cover display positioned in a partial region opposite the flexible display, at least one first sensor configured to detect a first angle between the first housing part and the second housing part, and at least one second sensor configured to detect a second angle between the second housing part and the third housing part. The above operations include detecting a state of the foldable electronic device using at least one of the at least one first sensor or the at least one second sensor, displaying a first screen on the cover display while the foldable electronic device is in a fully folded state, detecting unfolding of the first housing part or the third housing part of the foldable electronic device in the fully folded state, and maintaining display of the first screen on the cover display based on detecting unfolding of the first housing part or the third housing part, and displaying a second screen on a partial area of ​​the flexible display.

[0009] In one embodiment, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device may include a foldable housing including a first housing part, a second housing part rotatably coupled with the first housing part, and a third housing part rotatably coupled with the second housing part, a flexible display crossing the first housing part, the second housing part, and the third housing part, a cover display opposite the flexible display, at least one sensor configured to detect at least one of a first angle between the first housing part and the second housing part, and a second angle between the second housing part and the third housing part, a memory including one or more storage media storing instructions, and at least one processor including a processing circuit. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to detect a state of the foldable housing using the at least one sensor. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to display a first screen on the cover display based on detecting the state in the folded state. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to detect a transition from the folded state to the half-fold state while displaying the first screen on the cover display. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to maintain displaying the first screen on the cover display and display a second screen on the flexible display based on detecting the transition while an event for multitasking has occurred.The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to deactivate the cover display and display a third screen on the flexible display, the third screen at least partially representing the content of the first screen, based on detecting the transition independently of the event.

[0010] In one embodiment, a method performed by an electronic device is provided. The electronic device may include a foldable housing comprising a first housing part, a second housing part rotatably coupled with the first housing part, and a third housing part rotatably coupled with the second housing part, a flexible display crossing the first housing part, the second housing part, and the third housing part, a cover display opposite the flexible display, and at least one sensor configured to detect at least one of a first angle between the first housing part and the second housing part, and a second angle between the second housing part and the third housing part. The method may include an operation of detecting a state of the foldable housing using the at least one sensor. The method may include an operation of displaying a first screen on the cover display based on detecting the state being in a folded state. The method may include an operation of detecting a transition from the folded state to a half-folded state while displaying the first screen on the cover display. The method may include, based on detecting the transition while an event for multi-tasking has occurred, maintaining the display of the first screen on the cover display, and displaying a second screen on the flexible display. The method may include, based on detecting the transition independently of the event, deactivating the cover display, and displaying a third screen on the flexible display, the third screen at least partially including content of the first screen.

[0011] In one embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions may be provided. The instructions may be executed by an electronic device comprising a foldable housing comprising a first housing part, a second housing part rotatably coupled with the first housing part, and a third housing part rotatably coupled with the second housing part, a flexible display spanning the first housing part, the second housing part, and the third housing part, and a cover display opposite the flexible display. The instructions, when executed by the electronic device, may cause the electronic device to display a first screen on the cover display while the state of the foldable housing is in a folded state. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the electronic device, may cause the electronic device to identify, while displaying the first screen, that the state has transitioned from the folded state to a half-folded state. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the electronic device, may cause the electronic device to maintain display of the first screen on the cover display and to display a second screen on at least a portion of the flexible display based on identifying the transition together with an input for activating both the cover display and the flexible display.

[0012] In one embodiment, an electronic device may include a foldable housing including a first housing part, a second housing part rotatably coupled with the first housing part, and a third housing part rotatably coupled with the second housing part, a flexible display crossing the first housing part, the second housing part, and the third housing part, a cover display opposite the flexible display, a memory including one or more storage media storing instructions, and at least one processor including a processing circuit. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to display a first screen on the cover display while the state of the foldable housing is in a folded state. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to identify that the state has transitioned from the folded state to a half-fold state while displaying the first screen. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to maintain display of the first screen on the cover display and to display a second screen on at least a portion of the flexible display based on identifying the transition together with an input for activating both the cover display and the flexible display.

[0013] Other aspects, advantages, and key features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate various embodiments of the disclosure.

[0014] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of some embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates the operation of an electronic device for displaying screens on a cover display and a flexible display, respectively, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 2A illustrates an example of a first state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 2b illustrates an example of a second state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 2c illustrates an example of a third state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 3A is a plan view of an electronic device with the flexible display removed, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 3b is a rear view of an electronic device with the back cover and display removed, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 3c illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C illustrate state transition diagrams of an electronic device foldable by a plurality of folding axes according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C illustrate exemplary operations of an electronic device receiving input for multi-tasking, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B illustrate flowcharts of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary operation of an electronic device for displaying screens on a cover display and a flexible display, respectively, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate exemplary operations of an electronic device for displaying screens on a cover display and a flexible display, respectively, based on user input, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 9 illustrates an artificial intelligence model executed by an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 10 illustrates an operation of an electronic device for displaying screens on a cover display and a flexible display, respectively, based on the order in which the screens were displayed, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 11 illustrates an operation of an electronic device for switching screens displayed on a cover display and a flexible display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 12 illustrates an operation of an electronic device for switching the position of a software keyboard between a cover display and a flexible display, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 13 illustrates an operation of an electronic device for determining a screen to be displayed on a flexible display using a fingerprint sensor, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, and 14E illustrate the operation of an electronic device for determining the orientations of screens displayed on a cover display and a flexible display, respectively, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of an electronic device having a foldable housing including four housing parts, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 16A illustrates an example of a first state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG. 16b illustrates an example of a second state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 16c illustrates an example of a third state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] FIG. 17A is a plan view of an electronic device with the flexible display removed, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0038] FIG. 17b is a rear view of an electronic device with the back cover and display removed, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] It should be noted that throughout the drawings, similar drawing symbols are used to describe the same or similar elements, features, and structures.

[0040] I translate (except SPIRIT) - The following description, with reference to the attached drawings, is provided to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. While various specific details are included to facilitate understanding, these are considered to be exemplary only. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications to the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known functions and structures may be omitted for clarity and brevity.

[0041] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to their bibliographic meanings, but are merely used by the inventors to ensure a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Therefore, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the present disclosure is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0042] Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" should be understood to include plural references. Thus, for example, reference to "a component surface" includes reference to one or more of those surfaces.

[0043] It should be recognized that the blocks and combinations of flowcharts in each flowchart can be performed by one or more computer programs containing instructions. The one or more computer programs may be entirely stored in a single memory device, or the one or more computer programs may be separated into different portions stored in different memory devices.

[0044] Any of the functions or operations disclosed herein may be processed by a single processor or a combination of processors. A single processor or a combination of processors is a circuit that performs processing and includes an application processor (AP) (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a communication processor (CP) (e.g., a modem), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU) (e.g., an artificial intelligence (AI) chip), a Wi-Fi chip, a Bluetooth® chip, a global positioning system (GPS) chip, a nearfield communication (NFC) chip, connectivity chips, a sensor controller, a touch controller, a fingerprint sensor controller, a display driver integrated circuit (IC), an audio CODEC chip, a universal serial bus (USB) controller, a camera controller, an image processing IC, a microprocessor unit (MPU), a system on a chip (SOC), an integrated circuit, or the like.

[0045] Hereinafter, various embodiments of this document are described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0046] FIG. 1 illustrates the operation of an electronic device (100) that displays screens on a cover display (170) and a flexible display (140), respectively, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The electronic device (100) may include, for example, a personal computer (PC) such as a smartphone, a smartpad, a tablet PC, and / or a laptop (or notebook). The electronic device (100) may also be referred to as a terminal, a mobile device, a user equipment (UE), a multi-function device, a portable communication device, and / or a portable device.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 1, an electronic device (100) including a deformable housing is illustrated. The housing of the electronic device (100) may include a linear axis (e.g., a folding axis and / or a rotation axis) for rotation and / or folding. In terms of having a foldable structure, the housing of the electronic device (100) may be referred to as a foldable housing (or multi-foldable housing). The structure of the housing of the electronic device (100) is described with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2C, 3A to 3C, 15, 16A to 16C, and / or 17A to 17B.

[0048] In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may have various states based on the shape and / or state of the housing (or foldable housing) of the electronic device (100). Referring to FIG. 1, states (191, 192) of the electronic device (100) are illustrated. State (191) may be associated with the third state (100c) (or folded state, or folded state) of FIG. 2c. The electronic device (100) may include a cover display (170) that is viewable independently of the shape of the housing. State (192) may be associated with the second state (100b) (or half-folded state, or intermediate state, or half-folded state) of FIG. The electronic device (100) may include a flexible display (140) that is fully covered by the housing in a particular state (e.g., state (191)). At least a portion of the flexible display (140) may be visible from the outside in a remaining state different from the specific state. Exemplary states of the electronic device (100) including states (191, 192) are described with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2C.

[0049] The electronic device (100) can detect the shape and / or state of the housing using at least one sensor. Exemplary hardware of the electronic device (100) including at least one sensor is described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3C . Depending on the detected state of the housing, the electronic device (100) can control at least one of the flexible display (140) and the cover display (170) to display a screen. For example, in state (191), referred to as a folded state, the electronic device (100) can display the screen (A) on the cover display (170). In state (191), the electronic device (100) can display the screen (A) only on the cover display (170) among the flexible display (140) and the cover display (170). In state (191), the electronic device (100) can deactivate the flexible display (140). Disabling the flexible display (140) may include controlling the pixels included in the flexible display (140) so that the luminance of all pixels included in the flexible display (140) is less than a specified luminance or is substantially zero. Disabling the flexible display (140) may include setting the color of all pixels included in the flexible display (140) to black.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can display a screen (B) on a portion of the viewable flexible display (140) within a case in which the flexible display (140) is partially viewable, such as in state (192). Referring to FIG. 1 , after transitioning from state (191) to state (192), the electronic device (100) can maintain displaying the screen (A) that was displayed on the cover display (170) within state (191). Within state (192), the screen (A) can be displayed on the cover display (170), and the screen (B) can be displayed on a portion of the flexible display (140). For example, within state (192), a user of the electronic device (100) can simultaneously view the screens (A, B) at a location where portions of the cover display (170) and the flexible display (140) are simultaneously viewable. By simultaneously displaying screens (A, B) within a state (192), the electronic device (100) can support multi-tasking based on the screens (A, B). Externally visible pixels (e.g., all pixels of the cover display (170) within the state (192) and pixels of a visible portion of the flexible display (140)) can be used to visualize information. Before the entire flexible display (140) enters a visible state (e.g., the first state (100a) of FIG. 2A), the electronic device (100) can support multi-tasking based on the flexible display (140) and the cover display (170).

[0051] As described above, the electronic device (100) can simultaneously control different displays (e.g., the cover display (170) and the flexible display (140)), such as in state (192) of FIG. 1, to simultaneously display screens (A, B) on each of the displays. The electronic device (100) can determine whether the state of the housing of the electronic device (100), such as in state (192), satisfies a condition that allows the user of the electronic device (100) to simultaneously view the displays of the electronic device (100). When the condition is determined to be satisfied, the electronic device (100) can simultaneously display screens (A, B) on each of the displays. The operation of the electronic device (100) for checking the condition is described with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4C. The electronic device (100) may simultaneously display screens (A, B) on each of the above displays based on user input and / or options (or setting values) for multi-tasking. The user input and / or the options are described with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5C . The operation of the electronic device (100) for determining a screen (B) to be displayed on a portion of the flexible display (140) within a state (192) is described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B . Examples of supporting multi-tasking using screens (A, B) displayed on different displays of the electronic device (100) are described with reference to FIGS. 7 , 8A, 8B, 9, 10 to 13 . The operation of the electronic device (100) that determines the orientation or direction of the screens (A, B) displayed on each of the displays is described with reference to FIGS. 14a to 14e.

[0052] FIG. 2A illustrates an example of a first state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2B illustrates an example of a second state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2C illustrates an example of a third state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, the electronic device (100) may include a housing structure (101), a flexible display (140), a first hinge structure (150), a second hinge structure (160), and a cover display (170). The first housing structure (101) may include a first housing part (110), a second housing part (120), and a third housing part (130).

[0054] The first housing part (110) can be rotatably coupled to the second housing part (120) by the first hinge structure (150). The second housing part (120) and the first housing part (110) can be rotated with respect to the first hinge structure (150). While the first housing part (110) is rotated with respect to the first hinge structure (150), the second housing part (120) can be rotated with respect to the first hinge structure (150). For example, when the second housing part (120) and the first housing part (110) are rotated with respect to the first hinge structure (150), the angular displacement of the second housing part (120) can be substantially equal to the angular displacement of the first housing part (110).

[0055] The third housing part (130) can be rotatably coupled to the second housing part (120) by the second hinge structure (160). The second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130) can be rotated with respect to the second hinge structure (160). While the second housing part (120) is rotated with respect to the second hinge structure (160), the third housing part (130) can be rotated with respect to the second hinge structure (160). For example, when the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130) are rotated with respect to the second hinge structure (160), the angular displacement (or angular change) of the second housing part (120) can be substantially equal to the angular displacement of the third housing part (130).

[0056] The first hinge structure (150) and the second hinge structure (160) can change the state of the electronic device. The first hinge structure (150) and the second hinge structure (160) can provide (or enable) a first state (100a) of the electronic device (100) (or a first state (100a) of the housing structure (101)). The first state (100a) of the electronic device (100) (or the first state (100a) of the housing structure (101)) can be described as an unfolded state (or unfolded state, or unfolded state) of the electronic device (100) (or the housing structure (101)). Within the first state (100a), the front surface of the first housing part (110), the front surface of the second housing part (120), and the front surface of the third housing part (130) can define the front surface of the electronic device (100). Within the first state (100a), the front surface of the first housing part (110), the front surface of the second housing part (120), and the front surface of the third housing part (130) can face the same direction. Within the first state (100a), the electronic device (100) can provide a large display area of ​​the flexible display (140) to the user.

[0057] The first hinge structure (150) and the second hinge structure (160) can provide a second state (100b) of the electronic device (100). The second state (100b) of the electronic device (100) can be described as a state in which the electronic device (100) is partially folded and partially unfolded (or a single folding state, a half folding state, a single fold state, a half fold state, or an intermediate state). For example, within the second state (100b), the front surface of the second housing part (120) and the front surface of the third housing part (130) may face the same direction, and the front surface of the first housing part (110) and the front surface of the second housing part (120) may face opposite directions. For example, within the second state (100b), the first housing part (110) and the second housing part (120) can be folded, and the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130) can be unfolded. Within the second state (100b), the electronic device (100) can provide visual information through a portion of the flexible display (140) (e.g., the third display area (140c)).

[0058] The electronic device (100) can change from the first state (100a) to the third state (100c) through the second state (100b). The electronic device (100) can change from the first state (100a), which is an unfolded state, to the second state (100b), which is a partially unfolded state. For example, the electronic device (100) can change from the first state (100a), in which the first housing part (110), the second housing part (120), and the third housing part (130) face the same direction, to the second state (100b), in which the front of the first housing part (110) faces the front of the second housing part (120). The electronic device (100) can change from the second state (100b), which is a partially unfolded state, to the third state (100c), which is a folded state. For example, when changing from the second state (100b) to the third state (100c), the folded first housing part (110) and second housing part (120) can be placed on the third housing part (130).

[0059] The first hinge structure (150) and the second hinge structure (160) can provide a third state (100c) of the electronic device (100) (or a third state (100c) of the housing structure (101)). The third state (100c) of the electronic device (100) (or the third state (100c) of the housing structure (101)) can be described as a folded state (or a folding state or a multi-folding state or a folded state) of the electronic device (100) (or the housing structure (101)). Within the third state (100c), the front surface of the first housing part (110) and the front surface of the second housing part (120) can face opposite directions, and the front surface of the second housing part (120) and the front surface of the third housing part (130) can face opposite directions. Within the third state (100c), the front surface of the first housing part (110) and the front surface of the third housing part (130) may face the same direction. For example, within the third state (100c), the front surface of the second housing part (120) may face the front surface of the first housing part (110), and the front surface of the third housing part (130) may face the rear surface of the first housing part (110). Within the third state (100c), the rear surface of the second housing part (120) may be exposed to the outside. The cover display (170) may be disposed on the rear surface of the second housing part (120). Within the third state (100c), the rear surface of the third housing part (130) may be exposed to the outside. The camera (175) may be disposed on the rear surface of the third housing part (130). Within the third state (100c), the electronic device (100) can be folded to improve portability and provide visual information through a cover display (170) disposed on the rear of the second housing (120).

[0060] The electronic device (100) may further include a key button (139). The key button (139) may be exposed from a structure (e.g., an opening) formed on a side surface of the third housing part (130) and may partially protrude outside the electronic device (100). The key button (139) may provide a physical input to a processing circuit inside the electronic device (100) by pressure transmitted from the outside. The key button (139) may not be included in the electronic device (100) and may be implemented in another form, such as a soft key displayed on a flexible display (140) or a cover display (170).

[0061] The cover button (139) may be positioned on the side of the third housing part (130) so as to be exposed to the outside in the third state (100c). As the key button (139) is positioned on the side of the third housing part (130), it may be positioned in the direction in which the side of the third housing (130) faces. Even if the cover display (170) in the third state (100c) is changed to the first state (100a) by a user looking at it, the position of the key button (139) positioned on the side of the third housing (130) may not move. For example, referring to FIG. 2a, in the first state (100a), when the flexible display (140) is viewed from above, the key button (139) may be positioned on the right side. Referring to FIG. 2c, in the third state (100c), when the cover display (170) is viewed from above, the key button (139) can be placed on the right side.

[0062] A flexible display (140) can at least partially define the appearance of an electronic device (100). The flexible display (140) can be partially disposed within a housing structure (101). The flexible display (140) can define a front surface of the electronic device (100). The flexible display (140) can include a first unbendable portion (141), a second unbendable portion (142), a third unbendable portion (143), a first bendable portion (144), and a second bendable portion (145). The first unbendable portion (141) of the flexible display (140) can be disposed on a front surface of the first housing part (110). The second unbendable portion (142) of the flexible display (140) can be disposed on a front surface of the second housing part (120). The third unbendable part (143) of the flexible display (140) may be arranged on the front side of the third housing part (130). The first bendable part (144) of the flexible display (140) may be arranged between the first unbendable part (141) and the second unbendable part (142) of the flexible display (140). For example, the first bendable part (144) of the flexible display (140) may be arranged on the first hinge structure (150) connecting the first housing part (110) and the second housing part (120). The second bendable part (145) of the flexible display (140) may be arranged between the second unbendable part (142) and the third unbendable part (143) of the flexible display (140). For example, the second bendable portion (145) of the flexible display (140) may be placed on a second hinge structure (160) connecting the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130).

[0063] The first hinge structure (150) and the second hinge structure (160) may face substantially the same direction as the first unbendable portion (141) of the flexible display (140), the second unbendable portion (142) of the flexible display (140), and the third unbendable portion (143) of the flexible display (140). In the first state (100a), the first bendable portion (144) and the second bendable portion (145) may be arranged in substantially the same horizontal plane as the first unbendable portion (141), the second unbendable portion (142), and the third unbendable portion (143).

[0064] The first hinge structure (150) and the second hinge structure (160) can provide a second state (100b) of the electronic device (100). Within the second state (100b), the first unbendable portion (141) of the flexible display (140) can face the second unbendable portion (142) of the flexible display (140), and the third unbendable portion (143) of the flexible display (140) can face the same direction as the second unbendable portion (142) of the flexible display (140). For example, the second unbendable portion (142) and the third unbendable portion (143) can be arranged in substantially the same horizontal plane.

[0065] In the second state (100b), the first bendable portion (144) of the flexible display (140) is bent by the first hinge structure (150), so that the first bendable portion (144) of the flexible display (140) can be folded so that the first bendable portion (141) of the flexible display (140) and the second unbendable portion (142) of the flexible display (140) face different directions.

[0066] In the second state (100b), the second bendable portion (145) of the flexible display (140) is maintained in an unfolded state by the second hinge structure (160), so that the second bendable portion (145) of the flexible display (140) can unfold so that the second unbendable portion (142) of the flexible display (140) and the third unbendable portion (143) of the flexible display (140) face the same direction.

[0067] The first hinge structure (150) and the second hinge structure (160) can provide a third state (100c) of the electronic device (100). In the third state (100c), the second unbendable part (142) of the flexible display (140) can face the first unbendable part (141) of the flexible display (140), and the third unbendable part (143) of the flexible display (140) can face the back of the first housing part (110).

[0068] In the third state (100c), the first bendable portion (144) of the flexible display (140) is bent by the first hinge structure (150), so that the first bendable portion (144) of the flexible display (140) can be folded so that the first unbendable portion (141) of the flexible display (140) and the second unbendable portion (142) of the flexible display (140) face different directions.

[0069] In the third state (100c), the second bendable portion (145) of the flexible display (140) is bent by the second hinge structure (160), so that the second bendable portion (145) of the flexible display (140) can be folded such that the second unbendable portion (142) of the flexible display (140) and the third unbendable portion (143) of the flexible display (140) face different directions. The second bendable portion (145) may further include a first deformable portion (145a), a second deformable portion (145b), and a flat portion (145c). The first deformable portion (145a) may be disposed between the planar portion (145c) and the second unbendable portion (142), and the second deformable portion (145b) may be disposed between the planar portion (145c) and the third unbendable portion (143). The planar portion (145c) may be disposed between the first deformable portion (145a) and the second deformable portion (145b). The planar portion (145c) may be supported by a support plate (e.g., the support plate (264) of FIG. 3a) that is distinct from the hinge plates of the second hinge structure (160) (e.g., the third hinge plate (262) and the fourth hinge plate (263) of FIG. 3a). Regardless of the state of the electronic device (100), the planar portion (145c) may remain flat. The first deformable portion (145a) and the second deformable portion (145b) can be unfolded in the first state (100a) and the second state (100b), and in the third state (100c), the first deformable portion (145a) and the second deformable portion (145b) can be bent such that the second unbendable portion (142) and the third unbendable portion (143) face different directions. In the third state (100c), the first housing part (110) can be disposed between the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130). In the third state (100c), the second bendable portion (145) of the flexible display (140) disposed on the second hinge structure (160) can be partially oriented toward the side surface (110c) of the first housing part (110).

[0070] The display area of ​​the flexible display (140) may include a first display area (140a), a second display area (140b), and a third display area (140c). The display area represents an area that can provide visual information from the flexible display (140). In the first state (100a), the entire display area of ​​the flexible display (140) may be visible from the front of the housing structure (101). For example, in the first state (100a), the first display area (140a), the second display area (140b), and the third display area (140c) of the flexible display (140) may be visually exposed. The electronic device (100) may provide a user with a large display area that includes the first display area (140a), the second display area (140b), and the third display area (140c).

[0071] Within the second state (100b), the display area of ​​the flexible display (140) may be partially visible from the front of the third housing part (130). For example, the third display area (140c) may be visually exposed, and the first display area (140a) and the second display area (140b) may not be visually exposed.

[0072] Within the third state (100c), the display area of ​​the flexible display (140) may not be visible. For example, within the third state (100c), the first display area (140a), the second display area (140b), and the third display area (140c) of the flexible display (140) may not be visually exposed.

[0073] As a non-limiting example, when the flexible display (140) is used to display a screen within a first state (100a) of the electronic device (100), the first display area (140a), the second display area (140b), and the third display area (140c) of the flexible display (140) may be activated. As a non-limiting example, within a third state (100c), the first display area (140a), the second display area (140b), and the third display area (140c) of the flexible display (140) may be deactivated. As a non-limiting example, when the flexible display (140) is used to display a screen in the second state (100b) of the electronic device (100), the third display area (140c) may be activated, and the first display area (140a) and the second display area (140b) of the flexible display (140) may be deactivated.

[0074] As a non-limiting example, when the flexible display (140) is used to display a screen within a first state (100a) of the electronic device (100), the first display area (140a), the second display area (140b), and the third display area (140c) of the flexible display (140) can display visual information. As a non-limiting example, within the third state (100c), the first display area (140a), the second display area (140b), and the third display area (140c) of the flexible display (140) can provide a black image. As a non-limiting example, when the flexible display (140) is used to display a screen in the second state (100b) of the electronic device (100), the third display area (140c) may provide visual information, and the first display area (140a) and the second display area (140b) of the flexible display (140) may provide a black image.

[0075] The electronic device (100) of FIGS. 2A to 2C may be referred to as an e-type foldable electronic device. The first housing part (110), the second housing part (120), and the third housing part (130) of the electronic device (100) may be rigid bodies and may be referred to as a housing assembly, a sub-housing, a flat housing, and / or a rigid housing. An electronic device (100) including three rigid housings (e.g., the first housing part (110), the second housing part (120), and the third housing part (130)) may be referred to as a trifold electronic device. The first hinge structure (150) and / or the second hinge structure (160) may be referred to as a hinge assembly, a hinge housing, a foldable housing, a rotatable housing, a joint housing, a hinge, and / or a flexible housing.

[0076] As in the first state (100a) of FIG. 2a, an unfolded state may be provided in which the first angle between the first housing part (110), the first hinge structure (150), and the second housing part (120), and the second angle between the second housing part (120), the second hinge structure (160), and the third housing part (130) are all substantially flat angles (e.g., about 180º). The unfolded state may be referred to as a fully unfolded state, an open state, a fully open state, an unfolded state, a flat state, an outspread state, and / or a planar state. In the unfolded state, the flexible display (140) may have a planar shape. In the unfolded state, the directions of the parts of the flexible display (140) positioned in each of the first housing part (110), the second housing part (120), and the third housing part (130) may be parallel to each other and / or coincide with each other.

[0077] As in the third state (100c) of FIG. 2c, a folded state in which both the first angle and the second angle are substantially 0° may be provided. The folded state may be referred to as a fully folded state, a folded state, a closed state, and / or a fully closed state. In the folded state, the flexible display (140) may be visually covered and / or hidden by the first housing part (110), the second housing part (120), and the third housing part (130). In the folded state, the visible size of the flexible display (140) may be substantially 0.

[0078] A half-fold state may be provided, such as the second state (100b) of FIG. 2b, in which the first angle is substantially 0° and the second angle exceeds 0°. The half-fold state may be referred to as an in-fold state, an intermediate state, a sub-unfolded state, a sub-folded state, a partially folded state, a partially closed state, a partially unfolded state, and / or a partially open state. A state of the electronic device (100) in which the first angle is substantially 0° and the second angle is less than 180° may be further referred to as an L-shaped state and / or a V-shaped state.

[0079] FIG. 3A is a plan view of an electronic device with the flexible display removed, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3B is a rear view of the electronic device with the back cover and display removed, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B , the electronic device (100) may include a first hinge structure (150) and a second hinge structure (160). A first width (w1) of the first hinge structure (150) may be narrower than a second width (w2) of the second hinge structure (160). A difference between the first width (w1) of the first hinge structure (150) and the second width (w2) of the second hinge structure (160) may be equal to or greater than a thickness of the first housing part (110). For example, the second hinge structure (160) may have a second width (w2) that is wider than the first width (w1) such that the first housing part (110) is disposed between the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130) according to the third state (100c). The first hinge structure (150) may be referred to as a narrow hinge structure in that it has a narrower width than the second hinge structure (160). The second hinge structure (160) may be referred to as a wide hinge structure in that it has a wider width than the first hinge structure (150).

[0081] The first hinge structure (150) may include a first set of gears (251), a first hinge plate (252), and a second hinge plate (253). The first hinge plate (252) may be coupled to a first support portion (111) of the first housing part (110). The second hinge plate (253) may be coupled to a second support portion (121) of the second housing part (120). The gears (g11, g12, g13, g14) included in the first set of gears (251) may be configured to rotate the first hinge plate (252) and the second hinge plate (253). For example, the gears (g11, g12, g13, g14) included in the first set of gears (251) can rotate the second hinge plate (253) (or the second housing part (120)) in conjunction with the rotation of the first hinge plate (252) (or the first housing part (110)). After the first hinge plate (252) (or the first housing part (110)) is rotated, the gears (g11, g12, g13, g14) included in the first set of gears (251) can be rotated in accordance with the rotation of the first hinge plate (252) (or the first housing part (110)). The second hinge plate (253) (or the second housing part (120)) can rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the first hinge plate (252) according to the rotation of the gears included in the first set of gears (251). The gears (g11, g12, g13, g14) included in the first set of gears (251) can include a first gear (g11), a second gear (g12), a third gear (g13), and a fourth gear (g14). The first gear (g11) can be arranged adjacent to the first hinge plate (252), and the fourth gear (g14) can be arranged adjacent to the second hinge plate (253). The second gear (g12) and the third gear (g13) can be arranged between the first gear (g11) and the fourth gear (g14).The first gear (g11), the second gear (g12), the third gear (g13), and the fourth gear (g14) can be sequentially meshed. According to the rotation of the first rotation direction (e.g., clockwise) of the first gear (g11), the second gear (g12) meshed with the first gear (g11) can be rotated in a second rotation direction (e.g., counterclockwise) opposite to the first rotation direction. According to the rotation of the second rotation direction of the second gear (g2), the third gear (g13) meshed with the second gear (g12) can be rotated in the first rotation direction. According to the rotation of the first rotation direction of the third gear (g13), the fourth gear (g14) can be rotated in the second rotation direction. As the first gear (g11) and the fourth gear (g14) rotate in different directions, the first housing part (110) connected to the first hinge plate (252) and the second housing part (120) connected to the second hinge plate (253) can be folded or unfolded.

[0082] The second hinge structure (160) may include a second set of gears (261), a third hinge plate (262), a fourth hinge plate (263), and a support plate (264). The third hinge plate (262) may be coupled to a second support portion (121) of the second housing part (120). The fourth hinge plate (263) may be coupled to a third support portion (131) of the third housing part (130). The gears (g21, g22, g23, g24, g25, g26) included in the second set of gears (261) may be configured to rotate the third hinge plate (262) and the fourth hinge plate (263). For example, the gears (g21, g22, g23, g24, g25, g26) included in the second set of gears (261) can rotate the fourth hinge plate (263) (or the third housing part (130)) in conjunction with the rotation of the third hinge plate (262) (or the second housing part (120)). After the third hinge plate (262) (or the second housing part (120)) is rotated, the gears (g21, g22, g23, g24, g25, g26) included in the second set of gears (261) can be rotated in accordance with the rotation of the third hinge plate (262) (or the second housing part (120)). The fourth hinge plate (263) (or the third housing part (130)) can be rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the third hinge plate (262) according to the rotation of the gears (g21, g22, g23, g24, g25, g26) included in the second set of gears (261).

[0083] The gears (g21, g22, g23, g24, g25, g26) included in the second set of gears (261) may include a first gear (g21), a second gear (g22), a third gear (g23), a fourth gear (g24), a fifth gear (g25), and a sixth gear (g26). The first gear (g21) may be arranged adjacent to the third hinge plate (262), and the sixth gear (g26) may be arranged adjacent to the fourth hinge plate (263). The second gear (g22), the third gear (g23), the fourth gear (g24), and the fifth gear (g25) may be arranged between the first gear (g21) and the sixth gear (g26). The first gear (g21), the second gear (g22), the third gear (g23), the fourth gear (g24), the fifth gear (g25), and the sixth gear (g26) can be sequentially meshed. According to the rotation of the first rotation direction (e.g., clockwise) of the first gear (g21), the second gear (g22) meshed with the first gear (g21) can be rotated in a second rotation direction (e.g., counterclockwise) opposite to the first rotation direction. According to the rotation of the second rotation direction of the second gear (g22), the third gear (g23) meshed with the second gear (g22) can be rotated in the first rotation direction. According to the rotation of the first rotation direction of the third gear (g23), the fourth gear (g24) can be rotated in the second rotation direction. According to the rotation of the fourth gear (g24) in the second rotation direction, the fifth gear (g25) meshed with the fourth gear (g24) can be rotated in the first rotation direction. According to the rotation of the fifth gear (g25) in the first rotation direction, the sixth gear (g26) meshed with the fifth gear (g25) can be rotated in the second rotation direction. As the first gear (g21) and the sixth gear (g26) rotate in different directions, the second housing part (120) connected to the third hinge plate (262) and the third housing part (130) connected to the fourth hinge plate (263) can be folded or unfolded.

[0084] The first hinge structure (150) and the second hinge structure (160) may further include a spiral structure. The spiral structure may include a spiral groove formed on each hinge plate or a rotating member connected to the hinge plate, and a moving member sliding along the spiral groove. The hinge plates connected to the hinge structure may be configured to rotate at substantially the same angular displacement through the spiral structure.

[0085] The electronic device (100) may include a first printed circuit board (271), a second printed circuit board (272), and a third printed circuit board (273).

[0086] A first printed circuit board (271) may be placed on a first support portion (111) of a first housing part (110). Hardware components within the first housing part (110) may be mounted on the first printed circuit board (271). A second printed circuit board (272) may be placed on a second support portion (121) of a second housing part (120). A third printed circuit board (273) may be placed on a third support portion (131) of a third housing part (130). Hardware components within the third housing part (130) may be mounted on the third printed circuit board (273).

[0087] The hardware components placed on the first printed circuit board (271) can support or operate independently of the hardware components placed on the second printed circuit board (272) and / or the hardware components placed on the third printed circuit board (273).

[0088] The hardware components arranged on the second printed circuit board (272) may support or operate independently of the hardware components arranged on the first printed circuit board (271) or the third printed circuit board (273). The hardware components arranged on the second printed circuit board (272) may include a speaker, a front camera, and / or a display driving circuit.

[0089] Hardware components arranged on the third printed circuit board (273) may include at least one processor including a processing circuit (e.g., an application processor (AP), a communication processor (CP)), a memory including one or more storage media, a communication circuit, and a rear camera (175). The rear camera (175) may be exposed through a structure (e.g., an opening) on ​​the rear of the third housing part (130).

[0090] The electronic device (100) may further include a sub-printed circuit board (275) and flexible printed circuit boards (280, 290). The sub-printed circuit board (275) may be disposed on at least some of the first housing part (110), the second housing part (120), and the third housing part (130). The flexible printed circuit boards (280, 290) may include a first flexible printed circuit board (280) and a second flexible printed circuit board (290). The first flexible printed circuit board (280) may electrically connect printed circuit boards disposed on each of the housing parts (110, 120, 130). The second flexible printed circuit board (290) may connect the sub-printed circuit board (275) to a printed circuit board within the housing part in which the sub-printed circuit board (275) is disposed by the second flexible printed circuit board (290).

[0091] Components within the electronic device (100) may be connected to at least one processor within the third printed circuit board (273) via flexible printed circuit boards (280, 290). For example, a signal received from an antenna disposed in the third housing part (130) may be transmitted to the third printed circuit board (273) on which at least one processor (e.g., AP or CP) is disposed via a signal path (a) provided by the first flexible printed circuit board (280). A driving circuit for the flexible display (140) disposed within the first housing part (110) may be connected to the third printed circuit board (273) on which at least one processor (e.g., AP) is disposed via a signal path (b) provided by the sub-printed circuit board (275) and the first flexible printed circuit board (280). A driving circuit for a cover display (170) connected to a sub-printed circuit board (275) disposed on a second housing part (120) can be electrically connected to a third printed circuit board (273) on which at least one processor (e.g., AP) is disposed via a signal path (c) provided by the sub-printed circuit board (275) and the first flexible printed circuit board (280) and the second flexible printed circuit board (290).

[0092] The electronic device (100) may further include batteries. Each of the batteries may be attached to support portions (111, 121, 131) included in the housing parts (110, 120, 130). The support portions (111, 121, 131) may support rechargeable batteries.

[0093] The arrangement of hardware components is exemplary, and unlike the above, the rear camera (175) and the second printed circuit board (272) may be arranged in the third housing part (130), and the third printed circuit board (273) may be arranged in the second housing part (120).

[0094] Although the first housing part (110) and the third housing part (130) are shown as rotating in opposite directions with respect to the second housing part (120), this is not limited thereto. For example, during the change from the first state (100a) to the third state (100c), the first housing part (110) may rotate counterclockwise with respect to the second housing part (120), and the third housing part (130) may rotate counterclockwise with respect to the second housing part (120). As the first housing part (110) and the third housing part (130) rotate in the same direction, a portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display (140) within the second state may be visually exposed.

[0095] As described above, the housing (or foldable housing) (or housing structure (101)) of the electronic device (100) may include a first housing part (110), a second housing part (120) rotatably coupled with the first housing part (110), and a third housing part (130) rotatably coupled with the second housing part (120). The flexible display (140) of the electronic device (100) may span the first housing part (110), the second housing part (120), and the third housing part (130). For example, the flexible display (140) may be included in all of the first housing part (110), the second housing part (120), and the third housing part (130). The cover display (170) can be positioned toward one side of the housing (e.g., one side of the second housing part (120)) opposite to the flexible display (140). By the first hinge structure (150) and the second hinge structure (160), the housing of the electronic device (100) can be folded up to two times in an unfolded state (e.g., the first state (100a) of FIG. 2A). Conversely, the housing of the electronic device (100) can be unfolded up to two times in a folded state (e.g., the third state (100c) of FIG. 2C).

[0096] For example, a user viewing the folded state must perform the action of unfolding the housing twice to view the entire flexible display (140). For example, a user viewing the cover display (170) in the folded state must perform the action twice to switch a task based on the cover display (170) to the flexible display (140). In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may activate at least a portion of the flexible display (140) before the user performs the action twice, thereby executing a function (e.g., a function related to multi-tasking) based on a portion of the flexible display (140). For example, the electronic device (100) may support multi-tasking by simultaneously controlling the cover display (170) and the flexible display (140). For example, a user viewing the cover display (170) may perform the above action once to enter a state in which the flexible display (140) is at least partially visible (e.g., the second state (100b) of FIG. 2b and / or the half-fold state), and then view screens displayed on the cover display (170) and a portion of the flexible display (140) (e.g., screens (A, B) of the state (192) of FIG. 1). In the above example, the electronic device (100) may provide or support a user experience based on multi-tasking by utilizing the above screens.

[0097] FIG. 3C illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include a processor (310) and a memory (320). The electronic device (100) may include a flexible display (140) and / or a cover display (170). The electronic device (100) may include a sensor (349) (e.g., a grip sensor (341), a six-axis sensor (342), and / or a fingerprint sensor (343)). The electronic device (100) may include a communication processor (350). The processor (310) may be electrically and / or operatively coupled to the memory (320), the sensor (349), the communication processor (350), the flexible display (140), and / or the cover display (170). The electronic device (100) may include wireless communication circuitry (355) electrically and / or operatively coupled with a communication processor (350). The electronic device (100) may include an antenna (330) electrically and / or operatively coupled with a grip sensor (341) and / or wireless communication circuitry (355). Electrical coupling of electronic components may include a state in which a wired signal path (or a connection for wireless communication) for transmitting signals is established between the electronic components. Operationally coupling of electronic components may include a state in which the electronic components are directly coupled (or a state in which the electronic components are indirectly coupled) such that one of the electronic components controls another electronic component.

[0098] The processor (310) of FIG. 3c may include circuits (e.g., processing circuits and / or cores) for performing operations on data (e.g., arithmetic operations and / or logical operations). Binary codes (e.g., instructions) representing the operations may be input to the processor (310). The processor (310) may include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphic processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), or a combination thereof. The processor (310) may include an arithmetic and logic unit (ALU), a floating point unit (FPU), and / or a field programmable gate array (FPGA) as processing circuits for processing operations on data. The processor (310) may include an application processor (AP) and / or a system on a chip (SoC). The processor (310) may have a structure (e.g., a multi-core structure such as a dual core, a quad core, a hexa core, or an octa core) for loading (or fetching) multiple instructions simultaneously. The functions and / or operations described with reference to the present disclosure may be individually or collectively performed by one or more processing circuits included in the processor (310). The processor (310) can control the operations of the electronic devices of FIG. 1, FIG. 2a to FIG. 2c, FIG. 3a to FIG. 3c, FIG. 4a to FIG. 4c, FIG. 5a to FIG. 5c, FIG. 6a, FIG. 6b, FIG. 7, FIG. 8a, FIG. 8b, FIG. 9 to FIG. 13, FIG. 14a to FIG. 14e, FIG. 15, FIG. 16a to FIG. 16c, FIG. 17a, and FIG. 17b by executing instructions stored in the memory (320).For example, the processor (310) may correspond to a plurality of processors that collectively perform a plurality of operations by dividing them among the processors.

[0099] The memory (320) of FIG. 3C may include a circuit for storing data (or instructions) input to or output from the processor (310). The memory (320) may include volatile memory, such as random-access memory (RAM), and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM). The non-volatile memory may be referred to as storage. The volatile memory may include, for example, at least one of dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), cache RAM, and pseudo SRAM (PSRAM). The non-volatile memory may include, for example, at least one of programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), flash memory, hard disk, compact disc, solid state drive (SSD), and embedded multimedia card (eMMC). The memory (320) may include one or more storage media (e.g., the volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory described above) distributedly located in the electronic device (100). The processor (310) of the electronic device (100) may execute instructions of the memory (320) within the electronic device (100) to perform functions and / or operations (e.g., the operations of FIGS. 6A and / or 6B) indicated by the instructions. For example, when the electronic device (100) includes at least one processor, the at least one processor may be configured to collectively or individually execute the instructions.

[0100] A display (e.g., a flexible display (140) and / or a cover display (170)) of an electronic device (100) may include circuitry for visualizing information provided from a processor (310). The display may include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display panel (PDP), and / or light emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs may include organic LEDs (OLEDs). Embodiments are not limited thereto, and the display may include electronic paper. A display area (or active area) of the display may include an area where light is emitted, formed by pixels (e.g., activated pixels) of the display. The display may include a sensor (e.g., a touch sensor) for detecting an external object (e.g., a user's finger) on the display. The sensor may be included in the display in the form of a panel (e.g., a touch sensor panel (TSP)).

[0101] A sensor (349) of an electronic device (100) may include circuitry for generating and / or outputting electrical information (e.g., sensor data) that can be processed by the processor (310) (or stored in the memory (320)) from non-electrical information. For example, a grip sensor (341) may be connected to an antenna (330) of the electronic device (100) and may generate or output data representing a change in an electric field formed based on the antenna (330) (e.g., a change caused by an external object (e.g., a hand holding the electronic device (100)). For example, a fingerprint sensor (343) may generate or output data related to an external object that has come into contact with a button (305) of the electronic device (100) (or a key button (139) of FIGS. 2A to 2C). For example, when a finger is in contact with the button (305), the fingerprint sensor (343) may generate or output a two-dimensional representation (or image) of the fingerprint of the finger. For example, the six-axis sensor (342), such as an inertial measurement unit (IMU), may generate or output data representing translational motion of the electronic device (100) measured in each of three axes (e.g., x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis) and / or rotational motion of the electronic device (100) measured in each of the rotational directions of the three axes (e.g., roll direction, pitch direction, and yaw direction). The data representing translational motion may include accelerations for each of the three axes. To measure acceleration, the six-axis sensor (342) may include an acceleration sensor. The data representing rotational motion may include angular velocities for each of the rotational directions. To measure angular velocity, the six-axis sensor (342) may include a gyroscope.

[0102] The communication processor (350) of the electronic device (100) may be configured to control hardware (e.g., the antenna (330) and / or the wireless communication circuit (355)) included in the electronic device (100) for wireless communication (e.g., wireless communication based on long-term evolution (LTE), new radio (NR), 6G, above-6G, Bluetooth, Bluetooth low-energy (BLE), Wi-Fi, near-field communication (NFC), and / or ultra-wide bandwidth (UWB)). For example, the processor (310) may control the communication processor (350) to wirelessly transmit information to an external electronic device or wirelessly receive information from an external electronic device. The communication processor (350) may control the wireless communication circuit (355) to cause a wireless signal to be output from the antenna (330). The communication processor (350) may be configured to control a wireless communication circuit (355) to receive a wireless signal received through an antenna (330).

[0103] Referring to FIG. 3c, antennas (331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340) disposed on a housing of an electronic device (100) are illustrated. The antennas (331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340) may include a conductive pattern (e.g., a metal strip) disposed on one surface (e.g., a side surface) of the housing. The embodiment is not limited thereto, and the antennas (331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340) may include a patch antenna.

[0104] The grip sensor (341) of the electronic device (100) is connected to the antenna (330) and can generate or output data representing a change in an electric field formed in the antenna (330). The number of antennas (330) connected to the grip sensor (341) may be one or more. When a plurality of grip sensors, including the grip sensor (341), are connected to different antennas, the processor (310) can use the plurality of grip sensors to determine or identify whether each of the antennas is adjacent to an external object. The grip sensor (341) can transmit information representing a change in an electric field of the antenna (330) connected to the grip sensor (341) to the processor (310). The information may be related to the capacitance of the antenna (330) measured by the grip sensor (341). The processor (310) can use the transmitted information to detect external objects (e.g., hands, palms, and / or fingers) adjacent to the antenna (330). The processor (310) can determine whether a grip has been detected using the grip sensor (341). Based on detecting a grip, the processor (310) can perform an operation to satisfy regulations related to specific absorption rate (SAR), e.g., reducing the size of a radio signal output from the antenna (330).

[0105] Referring to FIG. 3C, a plurality of 6-axis sensors (342-1, 342-2, 342-3) included in an electronic device (100) are illustrated. The 6-axis sensors (342-1, 342-2, 342-3) may be disposed in each of the first housing part (110), the second housing part (120), and the third housing part (130) of the electronic device (100). The processor (310) of the electronic device (100) may detect the state of the housing (e.g., foldable housing) using the sensor (349) including the 6-axis sensors (342-1, 342-2, 342-3). For example, using sensor data, a first angle between the first housing part (110) and the second housing part (120), and / or a second angle between the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130) can be detected.

[0106] The electronic device (100) can selectively activate or control the flexible display (140) and / or the cover display (170) depending on the state of the electronic device (100) and / or the housing. For example, while the electronic device (100) is in a folded state, or based on detecting the state of the foldable housing in a folded state, the electronic device (100) can display a first screen on the cover display (170) (e.g., state (191) of FIG. 1 ). While displaying the first screen on the cover display (170), the electronic device (100) can detect a transition from the folded state to the half-folded state using the sensor (349).

[0107] An electronic device (100) that detects a transition from a folded state to a half-folded state may determine whether to keep the cover display (170) activated and / or whether to activate at least a portion of the flexible display (140). For example, while an event for multi-tasking has occurred, the electronic device (100) that detects the transition may keep displaying the first screen on the cover display (170). While an event for multi-tasking has occurred, the electronic device (100) that detects the transition may display a second screen on the flexible display (140) (e.g., state (192) of FIG. 1 ). The second screen may be displayed on a portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display (140) that is viewable within the half-folded state of the electronic device (100) based on the transition. For example, an electronic device (100) that detects the transition independently of the event may deactivate the cover display (170). An electronic device (100) that detects the transition independently of the event may display a third screen that at least partially includes the content of the first screen on the flexible display (140).

[0108] Below, with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4C, different states of the electronic device (100) that are switched based on the operation of the electronic device (100) described above are illustrated.

[0109] FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C illustrate state transition diagrams of an electronic device (100) foldable by a plurality of folding axes according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The states of the electronic device (100) of FIGS. 1 , 2A to 2C, and / or 3A to 3C may be switched according to the state transition diagrams of FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 4A, the states (491) of the electronic device (100) included in the folded state, the states (492, 493) of the electronic device (100) included in the half-folded state, and the states (494, 495) of the electronic device (100) included in the unfolded state are illustrated. Based on identifying that the cover display (170) is visible among the flexible display (140) and the cover display (170) using the sensor (349) of FIG. 3C, the electronic device (100) can determine the state of the housing as the folded state. Based on identifying that a part of the display area of ​​the flexible display (140) is visible together with the cover display (170) using the sensor (349) of FIG. 3C, the electronic device (100) can determine the state of the housing as the half-folded state. Based on identifying that the entire display area of ​​the flexible display (140) is viewable using the sensor (349) of FIG. 3c, the electronic device (100) can determine the state of the housing as an unfolded state.

[0111] Within the state (491) included in the folded state, the electronic device (100) can display a screen (A) on the cover display (170). While displaying the screen (A), the electronic device (100) can detect the rotation of the folding axis (e.g., the folding axis between the second housing part (120) with respect to the third housing part (130) of FIGS. 2A to 2C). Based on the rotation, the electronic device (100) can identify or determine that the state of the housing has transitioned from the folded state to the half-folded state (or intermediate state). The electronic device (100) that has identified the transition can transition to one of the states (492, 493) of FIG. 4A.

[0112] An electronic device (100) that detects a transition from a folded state to a half-fold state can determine whether an event for multi-tasking has occurred. The event may be generated by a user input of pressing a button (305) of the electronic device (100). The event may be generated based on an option (or setting value) for maintaining the display of a screen (e.g., screen (A)) on the cover display (170) within the half-fold state. The event may be generated by a user input for selecting another screen to be displayed on the flexible display (140) together with the screen (A) displayed on the cover display (170). When the event occurs, the electronic device (100) may transition to state (492). Independently of the event (or without the event), the electronic device (100) that detects a transition from a folded state to a half-fold state may transition to state (493).

[0113] Referring to FIG. 4A, upon detecting a transition from an unfolded state to a half-folded state while receiving a user input based on button (305) (e.g., a gesture of pressing button (305) and / or a touch gesture on button (305), the electronic device (100) can transition from state (491) to state (492). Within state (492), the electronic device (100) can display screen (B) on the flexible display (140). Within state (492), the electronic device (100) can maintain displaying screen (A) on the cover display (170). Within state (492), both screen (A) and screen (B) can be viewed from a specific location outside the electronic device (100). A user viewing the electronic device (100) from this location can simultaneously recognize both screen (A) and screen (B). For example, the electronic device (100) may support multi-tasking based on screen (A) and screen (B).

[0114] Referring to FIG. 4A, based on detecting a transition from an unfolded state to a half-folded state without receiving a user input based on a button (305), the electronic device (100) can transition from a state (491) to a state (493). Within the state (493), the electronic device (100) can deactivate the cover display (170). Within the state (493), the electronic device (100) can display a screen (A) on the entire display area of ​​the flexible display (140). The content of the screen (A) displayed on the display area of ​​the flexible display (140) can be substantially the same as the content of the screen (A) displayed through the cover display (170) within the state (491).

[0115] Within the states (492, 493) included in the half-fold state, the electronic device (100) can transition to either the folded state or the unfolded state. For example, if the user folds the electronic device (100) again, the electronic device (100) can transition to the folded state. Within the states (492, 493), the electronic device (100) that detects a transition from the half-fold state to the folded state can transition to the state (491). For example, the electronic device (100) can deactivate the flexible display (140). The electronic device (100) can maintain displaying the screen (A) on the cover display (170).

[0116] For example, if a user unfolds the electronic device (100) while the housing is in a half-fold state, the electronic device (100) may transition to an unfolded state. For example, within state (492), the electronic device (100) that detects a transition from the half-fold state to the unfolded state may transition to one of the states (494, 495) included in the unfolded state. The electronic device (100) transitioning from the half-fold state to the unfolded state may deactivate the cover display (170).

[0117] An electronic device (100) that detects a transition from a half-fold state to an unfolded state can determine whether an event for multi-tasking has occurred. If the event for multi-tasking has occurred, the electronic device (100) can switch to a state (494) and display multiple screens based on a picture-by-picture (PBP) layout on the flexible display (140). Independently of the event (or without the event), the electronic device (100) that detects a transition from a half-fold state to an unfolded state can switch to a state (495).

[0118] Referring to FIG. 4A, upon detecting a transition from a half-fold state to an unfolded state while receiving a user input based on button (305) (e.g., a gesture of pressing button (305) and / or a touch gesture for button (305), the electronic device (100) may transition from state (492) to state (494). Within state (494), the electronic device (100) may display screens (A, B), which were respectively displayed on different displays within state (492), on respective portions of the display area of ​​the flexible display (140). For example, within state (494), screens (A) and (B) may occupy different portions of the display area of ​​the flexible display (140). The screen (A) displayed on the flexible display (140) within the state (494) may at least partially include the content of the screen (A) displayed on the cover display (170) within the state (492). The screen (B) displayed on the flexible display (140) within the state (494) may at least partially include the content of the screen (B) displayed on a part of the flexible display (140) within the state (492).

[0119] Although an embodiment in which screens (A, B) are displayed side-by-side on a flexible display (140) based on a PBP has been described, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device (100) may display screens (A, B) on the flexible display (140) based on a PIP (picture-in-picture) layout. For example, the electronic device (100) may display screen (B) on screen (A), or may display screen (A) on screen (B).

[0120] Referring to FIG. 4A, based on detecting a transition from a half-fold state to an unfolded state without receiving a user input based on a button (305), the electronic device (100) can transition from a state (492) to a state (495). Within the state (495), the electronic device (100) can display the screen (B) that was displayed on a portion of the flexible display (140) within the state (492) on the entire display area of ​​the flexible display (140). The content of the screen (B) displayed on the flexible display (140) within the state (495) can at least partially include the content of the screen (B) that was displayed on a portion of the flexible display (140) within the state (492). The embodiment is not limited thereto, and within the state (495), the electronic device (100) can display the screen (A) that was displayed on the cover display (170) within the state (492) on the entire display area of ​​the flexible display (140).

[0121] Within the states (494, 495) included in the unfolded state, the electronic device (100) can transition to the half-folded state. For example, if the user folds the electronic device (100) again, the electronic device (100) can transition to the half-folded state. Within the state (494), the electronic device (100) that detects the transition to the half-folded state can transition to the state (492). Within the state (495), the electronic device (100) that detects the transition to the half-folded state can display a reduced screen (B) having the size of the portion on a viewable portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display (140).

[0122] The conditions under which the electronic device (100) activates a portion of the flexible display (140) while transitioning from a folded state (e.g., state (491)) to a half-folded state (e.g., state (492)) can be customized. Hereinafter, the operation of the electronic device (100) while transitioning from a folded state to a half-folded state is described with reference to FIG. 4B.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 4B, a state transition diagram of an electronic device (100) transitioning from a state (481) included in a folded state to a half-folded state (e.g., states (482, 483, 484)) is illustrated. Referring to FIG. 4B, a graph representing an angle between housing parts of the electronic device (100) (e.g., the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130) described with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2C) and a graph representing a state of a cover display related to the angle are illustrated.

[0124] Within the folded state (481), the angle between the housing parts of the electronic device (100) may be 0º. Within the state (481), the electronic device (100) may activate (e.g., turn on) the cover display and display the screen (A) on the cover display. Referring to FIG. 4B, within the state (481), the angle between the housing parts may gradually increase as the user unfolds the housing. When the angle between the housing parts increases beyond a specified angle associated with the half-fold state (e.g., an angle set between about 10º and 30º), the electronic device (100) may transition to the half-fold state.

[0125] When an event for multi-tasking occurs, such as in state (492) of FIG. 4A, the electronic device (100) may transition to state (482). Within state (482), the electronic device (100) may activate (e.g., turn on) a visible portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display and display a screen (B) on the activated portion. Within state (482), the electronic device (100) may display screens (A, B) on the portions of the cover display and the flexible display, respectively.

[0126] After state (482), as the user unfolds the housing, the angle between the housing parts may continue to increase. In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may compare the reference angle (L) for deactivating (e.g., turning off) the cover display and the angle between the housing parts.

[0127] The electronic device (100) may provide a screen (420) for changing the reference angle (L). The screen (420) may be associated with a software application, such as a settings application, for changing or personalizing one or more setting values ​​of the electronic device (100). Referring to FIG. 4B, the screen (420) may include a list of candidate reference angles (e.g., 60°, 90°, and 120°) selectable by the user. The screen (420) may include a visual object (e.g., a text box) for receiving a numerical value representing the reference angle (L). Through the screen (420), the electronic device (100) may receive a user input for setting the reference angle (L). The reference angle (L), which is compared to the angle between the housing parts, may be determined or adjusted by the user input.

[0128] Referring to FIG. 4B, when the angle between the housing parts increases beyond the reference angle (L), the electronic device (100) can deactivate (e.g., turn off) the cover display. In a state (483) after the angle exceeds the reference angle (L), the electronic device (100) can display a screen (B) on the flexible display among the cover display and the flexible display. Since the cover display is deactivated, the screen (A) displayed on the cover display may disappear.

[0129] In a state (483) after the angle between the housing parts exceeds the reference angle (L), the electronic device (100) may at least temporarily cease receiving a touch input (or detecting a touch input) through the deactivated cover display. For example, the electronic device (100) may deactivate a touch sensor configured to detect a touch input on the cover display, discard sensor data of the touch sensor, ignore the sensor data, or refrain from executing instructions based on the sensor data. The electronic device (100) may detect a touch input on the cover display while the angle between the housing parts is reduced to or below the reference angle (L). Since detecting a touch input on the cover display is ceased after the angle between the housing parts exceeds the reference angle (L), unintended operations of the electronic device (100) by a finger in contact with the cover display may not be performed. Although an embodiment has been described in which the conditions for deactivating the cover display (e.g., reference angle (L)) and the conditions for not detecting touch input on the cover display are the same, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0130] Referring to FIG. 4B, the angle between the housing parts can be increased to 180º. Within the state (484) of FIG. 4B, the angle between the housing parts can be 180º. Referring to FIG. 4B, since the first point in time at which the cover display is deactivated is before the second point in time at which the angle between the housing parts is increased to a flat angle (e.g., about 180º), an unintended touch input by a finger contacting the cover display to unfold the housing can be ignored from the first point in time.

[0131] Although a case has been described in which the angle between the housing parts increases from 0º to 180º, the embodiment is not limited thereto. In state (484) of FIG. 4b, when the angle between the housing parts decreases, the electronic device (100) can compare the reference angle (L) with the angle. When the angle between the housing parts decreases below the reference angle (L), the electronic device (100) can activate (e.g., turn on) the cover display. Through the activated cover display, the electronic device (100) can resume receiving touch input (or detecting touch input). As in state (482) of FIG. 4b, the electronic device (100) can resume displaying the screens (A, B) on the cover display and the flexible display. When the angle between the housing parts decreases to a designated angle for transition to a folded state (e.g., an angle less than the reference angle (L)), the electronic device (100) can transition to a folded state. When transitioning to a folded state, the electronic device (100) can deactivate (e.g., turn off) the flexible display.

[0132] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 4c, the operation of the electronic device (100) while transitioning from a folded state to a fully unfolded state and from a fully unfolded state to a folded state is described.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 4C, states (461, 470, 469, 474) of the electronic device (100) included in the folded state, states (463, 464, 467) of the electronic device (100) included in the semi-folded state, and states (465, 466, 472) of the electronic device (100) included in the fully unfolded state are illustrated. Within the states (e.g., states (461, 470)) of the electronic device (100) included in the folded state, the electronic device (100) can display a screen (A) on the cover display (170). While in the folded state, the electronic device (100) can deactivate (e.g., turn off) the flexible display (140).

[0134] Within the state (461) included in the folded state, the electronic device (100) can detect the rotation of the housing part. If the flexible display (140) is recognizable by the rotation, the electronic device (100) can determine whether an input for activating both the cover display (170) and the flexible display (140) has been received. The input may include a user input of pressing a button (305). The electronic device (100) that has received a user input of pressing a button (305) can display a screen (A) on the cover display (170) and a screen (B) on the recognizable portion of the flexible display (140), as in the state (462).

[0135] Referring to FIG. 4C, within state (462), the electronic device (100) can switch to a semi-folded state depending on the rotation of the housing part. Within states (463, 464) included in the semi-folded state, the electronic device (100) can display a screen (B) on the flexible display (140). Within states (463, 464), the electronic device (100) can deactivate the cover display (170).

[0136] Referring to FIG. 4C, when the electronic device (100) detects the rotation of the housing part while receiving a user input of pressing the button (305), such as in state (463), it can switch to state (465) included in the unfolded state. In state (465), the electronic device (100) can display screens (A, B) on the flexible display (140). The screens (A, B) can occupy different parts of the flexible display (140) based on the PBP layout. Meanwhile, when the electronic device (100) detects the rotation of the housing part without a user input of pressing the button (305), such as in state (464), it can switch to state (466) included in the unfolded state.

[0137] Within the states (465, 466) included in the unfolded state, as the housing part folds again, the electronic device (100) can transition to a semi-folded state. If the screen (or software application) displayed on the flexible display (140) has not transitioned after entering the states (465, 466), the electronic device (100) can display the screen (B) on a portion of the flexible display (140) (e.g., a viewable portion of the flexible display (140)) when transitioning to the semi-folded state. For example, the electronic device (100) can re-display the screen (B) that was displayed on the flexible display (140) before entering the fully unfolded state (e.g., states (465, 466)).

[0138] After entering state (467), if the housing part is folded again, the electronic device (100) can display screens (B, A) on each of the flexible display (140) and the cover display (170), as in state (468). In state (468), if the housing part is folded again, the electronic device (100) can display screen (A) on the cover display (170), as in state (469). For example, if no other screen different from screens (A, B) is displayed from state (461) corresponding to the folded state, and the electronic device (100) switches back to the folded state, the electronic device (100) can display screen (A) that was displayed in state (461) again, as in state (469).

[0139] Meanwhile, the electronic device (100) that detects the rotation of the housing part without the input, such as in state (470), can switch to state (471) and activate either the cover display (170) or the flexible display (140) (e.g., system default action). For example, the electronic device (100) can control the cover display (170) and / or the flexible display (140) based on the operating system and / or specified setting values. Within state (471), the electronic device (100) that detects the rotation of the housing part without the input can switch to state (472) included in the fully unfolded state. Within state (472), the electronic device (100) can display the screen (B) on the flexible display (140) based on the operating system and / or specified setting values. Within state (472), when the housing part of the electronic device (100) is rotated again so that the electronic device (100) transitions to a semi-folded state (e.g., state (473)) or a folded state (e.g., state (474)), the electronic device (100) can control the flexible display (140) and the cover display (170) based on the operating system and / or specified setting values.

[0140] After receiving an input for activating the flexible display (140) and the cover display (170) simultaneously, such as an input for pressing a button (305), within the states (465, 466), the electronic device (100) may switch to the states (473, 474) according to the switching of the screen displayed on the flexible display (140). For example, within the state displaying at least one of the screens (A, B) (e.g., states (465, 466)), after changing the screen displayed on the flexible display (140) (e.g., an input for displaying the screen (C)), the electronic device (100) may control the flexible display (140) and the cover display (170) based on the operating system and / or specified setting values. For example, when the screen (C) is displayed on the flexible display (140) and the housing part is rotated to switch to a semi-folded state and / or a folded state, the electronic device (100) can switch to one of the states (473, 474) instead of the states (467, 468, 469).

[0141] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5C, the operation of an electronic device (100) for detecting a user input to activate a portion (e.g., a viewable portion) of a display area of ​​a cover display and a flexible display is described.

[0142] FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C illustrate operations of an electronic device (100) for receiving input for multi-tasking according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The input described with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5C may cause an event for multi-tasking described with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4C.

[0143] Input for multitasking may include a gesture of pressing a button of the electronic device (100) (e.g., button (305) of FIG. 3C) described above with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4C , and / or a gesture of touching the button with a finger. The button may be configured to adjust the volume of the electronic device (100), control power (e.g., turn it on and / or off), or execute an artificial intelligence (AI) model. The embodiment is not limited thereto, and a function selected by the user may be mapped to the button.

[0144] Input for multi-tasking can be detected by a grip (e.g., a user's hand (510) holding the electronic device (100)) on the electronic device (100), as described with reference to FIG. 5A. For example, using a grip sensor connected to the antenna (337) of the housing, the electronic device (100) can detect a grip on a portion of the electronic device (100) adjacent to the antenna (337). When the electronic device (100) detects a grip on the antenna (337) while transitioning from a state (501) within the folded state to a half-folded state, the electronic device (100) can transition to a state (502). Within the state (502), the electronic device (100) can display screens (A, B) using both the cover display (170) and the flexible display (140), as in the state (492) of FIG. 4A.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 5A, if the user holds a part different from the antenna (337) (e.g., a part of the electronic device (100) where the antenna (331) is disposed), the electronic device (100) cannot detect a grip on the antenna (337). In the state (501) within the folded state, the electronic device (100) that detects the unfolding of the housing without a grip on the antenna (337) can transition to the state (503). In the state (503), the electronic device (100) can display the screen (A) using only the cover display (170) of FIG. 4A. After the state (503), if the housing is unfolded without a grip on the antenna (337), the electronic device (100) can deactivate the cover display (170) and activate the flexible display (140). On the activated flexible display (140), the electronic device (100) can continuously display the screen (A) displayed on the cover display (170).

[0146] While one embodiment of receiving input for multitasking based on an antenna (337) has been described, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device (100) may determine that input for multitasking has been received when detecting a grip on the antenna (331).

[0147] An input for multi-tasking may include an input indicating selection of a visual object (520), as described with reference to FIG. 5B. Within a state (501) within a folded state, the electronic device (100) may display a visual object (520) on the cover display (170). The visual object (520) may include designated text indicating activation of both the cover display (170) and the flexible display (140), such as dual mode on and / or multi-tasking mode. The visual object (520) may have the form of a button, or may have the form of a pop-up window. The visual object (520) may be constantly displayed on the cover display (170), or may be displayed by a designated gesture performed on the cover display (170), such as a swipe gesture. A visual object (520) may be displayed on the cover display (170) and / or the flexible display (140) when unfolding of the housing is detected.

[0148] Referring to FIG. 5B, if the housing unfolds after receiving an input indicating selection of a visual object (520) within the state (501), the electronic device (100) may transition to the state (502). The state (502) of FIG. 5B may correspond to the state (502) of FIG. 5A. If, within the state (501), the housing unfolds without selection of a visual object (520), or if the housing unfolds before an input indicating selection of a visual object (520), the electronic device (100) may transition to the state (503). The state (503) of FIG. 5B may correspond to the state (503) of FIG. 5A.

[0149] Although an embodiment in which a visual object (520) is displayed on the cover display (170) has been described, the embodiment is not limited thereto. Within the state (501) within the folded state, the electronic device (100) that detects that the housing is at least partially unfolded may display a visual object (520) on the flexible display (140). The visual object (520) may be displayed on a viewable portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display (140). The visual object (520) may be displayed on the portion at a location adjacent to one edge of the flexible display (140) (e.g., the right edge of the flexible display (140), which is located on the third housing part (130) of FIG. 2C). In response to an input indicating a selection of a visual object (520) displayed on the flexible display (140), the electronic device (100) can display a screen (B) on said portion of the flexible display (140), such as in state (502).

[0150] Input for multi-tasking may include a touch input performed on the cover display (170), as described with reference to FIG. 5C. The touch input may include a swipe gesture performed on the cover display (170) and based on two fingers (530). The embodiment is not limited thereto, and input for multi-tasking may include a drag gesture and / or a swipe gesture based on a different number of fingers.

[0151] Referring to FIG. 5C, in a state (501), the electronic device (100) that receives a swipe gesture based on two fingers (530) (e.g., a swipe gesture performed along the vertical direction of the cover display (170)) may transition to a state (502) when the housing is unfolded. The state (502) of FIG. 5C may correspond to the state (502) of FIG. 5A. When the housing is unfolded without the swipe gesture (or before receiving the swipe gesture), the electronic device (100) may transition to a state (503). The state (503) of FIG. 5C may correspond to the state (503) of FIG. 5A. Although a swipe gesture performed along the vertical direction of the cover display (170) has been described, the direction of the swipe gesture is not limited.

[0152] The input for multitasking may be related to the speed and / or angle at which the housing unfolds. For example, if the housing unfolds at a speed less than a specified speed, the electronic device (100) may continue to display screen (A) on the cover display (170) and display screen (B) on a viewable portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display (140). For example, if the housing unfolds at a speed exceeding a specified speed, the electronic device (100) may stop displaying screen (A) on the cover display (170) and display screen (A) on a viewable portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display (140). The speed at which the housing unfolds may include the angular velocity between the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130) of FIGS. 2A to 2C .

[0153] The input for multitasking may be related to the angle between the housing parts that are unfolded by the user's action of unfolding the housing. For example, if the angle between the housing parts (e.g., the angle between the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130) of FIGS. 2A to 2C) increases from 0° to an angle within a specified angular range (e.g., an angular range formed below the reference angle (L) of FIG. 4B) and is maintained for a specified period of time, the electronic device (100) may maintain displaying the screen (A) on the cover display (170) and display the screen (B) on a viewable portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display (140). As described above with reference to FIG. 4B, the specified angular range may be personalized by the user.

[0154] Inputs for multitasking may include inputs for controlling options related to multitasking. For example, the electronic device (100) may provide an option for simultaneously using the cover display (170) and the flexible display (140) within the half-fold state through a software application, such as a settings application, for changing settings of the electronic device (100). Inputs for multitasking may include inputs for selecting and / or activating the options.

[0155] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6B, the operation of an electronic device (100) that controls at least one of a flexible display (140) and a cover display (170) based on the input described with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5C is described.

[0156] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate flowcharts of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The electronic device (100) described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2A through 2C, 3A through 3C, 4A through 4C, and / or 5A through 5C can perform at least one of the operations of FIGS. 6A and 6B. The electronic device (100) of FIG. 3C and / or the processor (310) can perform the operations of FIGS. 6A and 6B.

[0157] In the following examples, the operations may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily sequential. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0158] Referring to FIG. 6A, in operation (610), according to one embodiment, the electronic device may display a first screen on a cover display (e.g., the cover display (170) of FIG. 1) in a folded state. The state (191) of FIG. 1 may be a state of the electronic device that performed operation (610). In operation (610), the electronic device may deactivate (e.g., turn off) a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (140) of FIG. 1). For example, in the folded state, the electronic device may refrain from displaying a screen on the flexible display.

[0159] Referring to FIG. 6A, within operation (612), according to one embodiment, the electronic device may determine whether rotation of the hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure (160) of FIGS. 2A-2C) has been detected. Prior to detecting the rotation of the hinge structure (612-No), the electronic device may maintain displaying the first screen on the cover display based on operation (610). Based on detecting the rotation of the hinge structure (612-Yes), the electronic device may perform operation (614). Rotation of the hinge structure within the folded state may cause unfolding of the housing parts (e.g., the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130) of FIGS. 2A-2C). As the hinge structure rotates, the state of the electronic device may transition from the folded state of operation (610) to a half-folded state. Based on the rotation of the hinge structure, the electronic device can identify that the state of the housing has transitioned from a folded state to a half-folded state.

[0160] Referring to FIG. 6A, in operation (614), according to an embodiment, the electronic device can determine whether an event for simultaneous activation of the cover display and the flexible display has occurred. The event of operation (614) may include an event for multi-tasking, as described with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4C. The event of operation (614) may be generated by an input for multi-tasking, as described with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5C. If the event of operation (614) has not occurred (614-No), the electronic device can perform operation (616). If the event of operation (614) has occurred (614-Yes), the electronic device can perform operation (618). For example, based on identifying a transition from a folded state to a half-folded state with the input for activating both the cover display and the flexible display, the electronic device can maintain displaying the first screen on the cover display and display another screen on at least a portion of the flexible display.

[0161] Referring to FIG. 6A, in operation (616), according to one embodiment, the electronic device may activate one of the cover display and the flexible display. For example, the electronic device may maintain displaying the first screen of operation (610) on the cover display. For example, the electronic device may deactivate (e.g., turn off) the cover display and activate at least a portion of the flexible display (e.g., a viewable portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display). On the activated portion, the electronic device may display the first screen of operation (610) (or another screen that at least partially includes the content of the first screen). The state (503) of FIGS. 5A to 5C may be a state of the electronic device that performed operation (616).

[0162] Referring to FIG. 6A, in operation (618), according to one embodiment, the electronic device may determine whether an input for selecting a screen to be displayed through a portion of the flexible display has been received. The input may include the input described below with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B. The input of operation (618) may be received after detecting the rotation of the hinge structure of operation (612), or may be received before detecting the rotation of the hinge structure of operation (612). To receive the input, the electronic device may display a list of software applications on the cover display and / or the flexible display. Through the list, the electronic device may receive the input of operation (618). If the input of operation (618) is received (618-Yes), the electronic device may perform operation (620). If the input of operation (618) is not received (618-No), the electronic device may perform operation (622).

[0163] Referring to FIG. 6A, in operation (620), according to one embodiment, the electronic device may display a second screen based on a received input on the flexible display together with a first screen displayed on the cover display. By performing operation (620), the electronic device may simultaneously display the first screen and the second screen using both the cover display and the flexible display. The second screen of operation (620) may be displayed on a visible portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display.

[0164] Referring to FIG. 6A, in operation (622), according to one embodiment, the electronic device can determine whether automatic determination of a screen to be displayed on a flexible display is set. The automatic determination can be set by an input that adjusts an option related to multi-tasking, as described with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5C . If the automatic determination of operation (622) is set (622-Yes), the electronic device can perform operation (626). If the automatic determination of operation (622) is not set (622-No), the electronic device can perform operation (624).

[0165] Referring to FIG. 6A, in operation (626), according to one embodiment, the electronic device may identify or confirm a notification message superimposed on the first screen. The notification message may take the form of a toast and / or a pop-up window. If the notification message is superimposed on the first screen, or if the electronic device identifies the notification message superimposed on the first screen (626—Yes), the electronic device may perform operation (628). If the electronic device fails to identify the notification message of operation (626—No), the electronic device may perform operation (630).

[0166] Referring to FIG. 6A, in operation (628), according to one embodiment, the electronic device may display a third screen corresponding to a notification message on the flexible display, together with the first screen displayed on the cover display. By performing operation (628), the electronic device may simultaneously display the first screen and the third screen using both the cover display and the flexible display. The third screen of operation (628) may be displayed on a visible portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display. The operation of the electronic device displaying the third screen related to the notification message is described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0167] Referring to FIG. 6A, in operation (630), according to one embodiment, the electronic device may identify or confirm a fourth screen that was displayed before the first screen. For example, the electronic device may identify software applications that were executed after the electronic device was turned on based on the execution order and / or execution history of the software applications. If another software application that was executed before the software application corresponding to the first screen is identified, the electronic device may identify the fourth screen corresponding to the other software application. If the fourth screen of operation (630) is identified (630 - Yes), the electronic device may perform operation (632). If the fourth screen of operation (630) is not identified (630 - No), the electronic device may perform operation (624).

[0168] Referring to FIG. 6A, in operation (632), according to one embodiment, the electronic device may display the fourth screen of operation (630) (or another screen that at least partially includes the content of the fourth screen) on the flexible display together with the first screen displayed on the cover display. By performing operation (630), the electronic device may simultaneously display the first screen and the fourth screen using both the cover display and the flexible display. The fourth screen of operation (630) may be displayed on a visible portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display. An operation of the electronic device that displays the fourth screen, which was displayed before the first screen, on the flexible display is described with reference to FIG. 10.

[0169] Referring to FIG. 6A, in operation (624), an electronic device according to one embodiment may display a menu for selecting a screen to be displayed through a portion of a flexible display. The menu may include icons representing a plurality of software applications installed on the electronic device. The menu may be referred to as an app drawer. The state of the electronic device displaying the menu is described with reference to FIG. 8A and / or FIG. 8B.

[0170] Referring to FIG. 6A, in operation (634), according to one embodiment, the electronic device may display a fifth screen based on a user input for a menu on the flexible display, together with the first screen displayed on the cover display. By performing operation (634), the electronic device may simultaneously display the first screen and the fifth screen using both the cover display and the flexible display. The fifth screen of operation (634) may be displayed on a visible portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display.

[0171] The state (192) of FIG. 1 may be a state of an electronic device that has performed at least one of the operations (620, 628, 632, 634). The screen displayed on the flexible display is not limited to the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 6A. For example, as described below with reference to FIG. 9, the electronic device may use an artificial intelligence model to select, identify, or determine a screen to be displayed on the flexible display.

[0172] Referring to FIG. 6B, the operation of the electronic device after displaying screens using both the cover display and the flexible display in a half-fold state is illustrated. Referring to FIG. 6B, in operation (650), according to one embodiment, the electronic device may display a first screen on the cover display and a second screen on a portion of the display area of ​​the visible flexible display. Operation (650) may include operations (620, 628, 632, and 634) of FIG. 6A.

[0173] Referring to FIG. 6B, in operation (652), according to one embodiment, the electronic device can identify or confirm whether the state of the housing has been converted to a folded state by the rotation of the hinge structure. Using at least one sensor (e.g., sensor (349) of FIG. 3C), the electronic device can check the state of the housing. If a conversion from a half-folded state to a folded state is detected (652—Yes), the electronic device can perform operation (654). If a conversion from a half-folded state to a folded state is not detected (652—No), the electronic device can perform operation (656).

[0174] Referring to FIG. 6B, in operation (654), according to one embodiment, the electronic device may at least temporarily stop displaying the second screen on a portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display. The electronic device may deactivate the flexible display. After operation (654), the electronic device in the folded state may display a screen only through the cover display. The screen displayed through the cover display after operation (654) may be the first screen of operation (650). The embodiment is not limited thereto, and the electronic device may display the second screen (or another screen including at least a portion of the content of the second screen) that was displayed on the flexible display on the cover display.

[0175] Referring to FIG. 6B, in operation (656), according to one embodiment, the electronic device can identify or confirm whether the state of the housing has been transitioned to the unfolded state by the rotation of the hinge assembly. Similar to operation (652), the electronic device can check the state of the housing using at least one sensor. If the transition from the half-folded state to the unfolded state is detected (656 - Yes), the electronic device can perform operation (658). If the state of the housing remains in the half-folded state or does not transition from the half-folded state to the unfolded state (656 - No), the electronic device can perform operation (650).

[0176] Referring to FIG. 6B, in operation (658), according to one embodiment, the electronic device can identify or confirm whether an event for multitasking has occurred. For example, if the electronic device receives an input for multitasking described with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5C, the electronic device can determine that the event of operation (658) has occurred. If the event of operation (658) has occurred (658 - Yes), the electronic device can perform operation (660). If the event of operation (658) has not occurred (658 - No), the electronic device can perform operation (662).

[0177] Referring to FIG. 6B, in operation (660), according to one embodiment, the electronic device can simultaneously display a first screen and a second screen on the flexible display. After switching to the unfolded state, the electronic device can activate the entire display area of ​​the flexible display. Based on the PBP layout, the electronic device can display the first screen and the second screen on different portions of the display area of ​​the flexible display, respectively. The state (494) of FIG. 4A may be the state of the electronic device that performed operation (660).

[0178] Referring to FIG. 6B, in operation (662), according to one embodiment, the electronic device may display either the first screen or the second screen on the flexible display. After switching to the unfolded state, the electronic device may control the entire display area of ​​the flexible display to display either the first screen or the second screen of operation (662). The state (495) of FIG. 4A may be the state of the electronic device that performed operation (662).

[0179] FIG. 7 illustrates an operation of an electronic device (100) that displays screens on a cover display (170) and a flexible display (140), respectively, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The operation of the electronic device (100) described with reference to FIG. 7 may be related to at least one of the operations of the electronic device of FIG. 6A (e.g., operations (626, 628)).

[0180] Referring to FIG. 7, within a state (701) related to a folded state, the electronic device (100) may display a first screen on the cover display (170). While the state (701) is illustrated as displaying a first screen based on a game application, the embodiment is not limited thereto. Within the state (701), the electronic device (100) that has received a text message based on SMS (short message service) may display a notification message (710) on the cover display (170). The notification message (710) may be referred to as a pop-up window, a bubble, and / or a toast. The notification message (710) may be displayed as an overlay on the first screen. The notification message (710) may be displayed on the cover display (170) for a specific period of time.

[0181] While displaying a notification message (710) on the cover display (170), the electronic device (100) may detect a transition from a folded state to a half-folded state. For example, a user may at least partially unfold the housing of the electronic device (100). Upon detecting the transition while displaying the notification message (710), the electronic device (100) may perform operation (628) of FIG. 6A. For example, the electronic device (100) may transition from state (701) to state (702).

[0182] Referring to FIG. 7, within state (702), the electronic device (100) can maintain displaying the first screen on the cover display (170). Within state (702), the electronic device (100) can acquire a second screen by executing a software application (e.g., a messenger application) related to a notification message. The electronic device (100) can display the acquired second screen on a visible portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display (140) (e.g., the third display area (140c) of FIG. 2B).

[0183] Within state (702), the electronic device (100) can support a user interaction with a notification message (710) using a second screen displayed on the flexible display (140). Within state (702), along with the interaction, the electronic device (100) can support another user interaction with a game application using a first screen displayed on the cover display (170). The user can simultaneously perceive the first screen and the second screen within state (702). For example, the user can respond to a text message using the second screen without interrupting the execution of a game application based on the first screen.

[0184] Within state (702), the electronic device (100) may detect a transition from the half-fold state to the folded state. Based on detecting the transition, the electronic device (100) may transition to state (701). For example, the electronic device (100) may deactivate the flexible display (140). For example, the electronic device (100) may at least temporarily suspend or pause the execution of the messenger application. For example, the electronic device (100) may maintain displaying the first screen on the cover display (170).

[0185] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate operations of an electronic device (100) for displaying screens on a cover display (170) and a flexible display (140), respectively, based on user input, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The operations of the electronic device (100) described with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B may be related to at least one of the operations of the electronic device of FIG. 6A (e.g., operations (618, 620, 624, 634)).

[0186] Referring to FIG. 8A, the electronic device (100) may receive an input for selecting a screen to be displayed on the flexible display (140) in the folded state, in the half-folded state. The input may be an input of operation (618) of FIG. 6A. After receiving the input, when switching from the folded state to the half-folded state, the electronic device (100) may, based on the order of operations (618, 622) of FIG. 6A, display a screen based on the input on at least a portion of the flexible display (140) without determining the screen based on automatic determination of operation (622).

[0187] Referring to FIG. 8B, the electronic device (100) may receive an input for selecting a screen to be displayed on at least a portion of the flexible display (140) within the half-fold state. The input may be a user input of operation (634) of FIG. 6A. Based on the order of operations (622, 624, 634) of FIG. 6A, the input of FIG. 8B may be received when a screen cannot be selected based on the automatic determination of operation (622) (or when the automatic determination is disabled).

[0188] Referring to FIG. 8A, in a state (801) related to a folded state, the electronic device (100) may display a menu (810) (or app drawer) for selecting a screen to be displayed on the flexible display (140) on the cover display (170). The menu (810) may be displayed at a location adjacent to one edge of the cover display (170) (e.g., a right edge of the cover display (170). The menu (810) may be referred to as an edge panel. The embodiment is not limited thereto, and the menu (810) may include a task bar displayed along one edge of the cover display (170) (e.g., a bottom edge of the cover display (170).

[0189] Referring to the menu (810) of FIG. 8A, the electronic device (100) may display a menu (810) including a portion (811) for selecting a software application to be executed based on the cover display (170) and a portion (812) for selecting a software application to be executed based on the flexible display (140). The embodiment is not limited to the menu (810) including portions (811, 812). After receiving an input (e.g., a touch input for an icon representing the C application) for selecting a specific software application (e.g., the C application) through the portion (812), the electronic device (100) that detects a transition from a folded state to a half-folded state may display a screen (C) provided from the software application corresponding to the input on at least a portion of the flexible display (140), as in the state (802) of FIG. 8A. Referring to state (802) of FIG. 8A, after receiving the input, the electronic device (100) that has detected the transition can maintain displaying the screen (A) displayed in state (801) on the cover display (170).

[0190] Referring to FIG. 8B, within a state (803) associated with a half-fold state, the electronic device (100) may display a menu (820) (or an app drawer) for selecting a screen to be displayed on at least a portion of the flexible display (140) (e.g., a viewable portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display (140)) on the flexible display (140). For example, the electronic device (100) that detects a transition from the folded state to the half-fold state may display the menu (820) on the flexible display (140). For example, in conjunction with an input of pressing a button (e.g., button (305) of FIG. 3C), the electronic device (100) that detects the transition may display the menu (820) on the flexible display (140).

[0191] The menu (820) may include a list of software applications executable using at least a portion of the flexible display (140). Similar to the menu (810) of FIG. 8A, the menu (820) may include icons each representing a plurality of software applications of the electronic device (100). The menu (820) may include a list of software applications executable within the half-fold state. The software applications provided through the menu (820) may be personalized by the user. The list of software applications provided through the menu (820) may be sorted according to the software applications installed on the electronic device (100) and the respective categories of the software applications. Within the list of software applications provided through the menu (820), the icons representing each software application may be sorted according to a priority (e.g., a specified priority). The priority may be changed by the user.

[0192] Within a state (803) in which a menu (820) is displayed, the electronic device (100) can receive a user input related to the menu (820) (e.g., a user input related to a list of software applications). Based on the user input, the electronic device (100) can display a screen related to the user input on the flexible display (140). For example, the electronic device (100) that receives a user input for an icon representing the C application through the menu (820) can transition from state (803) to state (804). Within state (804), the electronic device (100) can display a screen (C) based on the C application on the flexible display (140). For example, within state (804), the electronic device (100) can display a screen (C) related to the user input. During the transition from state (803) to state (804), the electronic device (100) can continue to display the screen (A) on the cover display (170).

[0193] If the screen (A) displayed on the cover display (170) of FIG. 8A and / or FIG. 8B does not support multi-tasking (or PIP mode), the electronic device (100) may support multi-tasking by utilizing the half-fold state. For example, if the screen (A) is provided from a video application and does not support the PIP mode, the electronic device (100) may display another screen (e.g., screen (C)) on the flexible display (140) while maintaining the display of the screen (A) by utilizing the state (802) of FIG. 8A and / or the state (804) of FIG. 8B. Since the flexible display (140) and the cover display (170) are controlled simultaneously within the state (802) of FIG. 8a and / or the state (804) of FIG. 8b, the electronic device (100) can support user interaction based on the screen (C) without stopping the playback of the video based on the screen (A).

[0194] FIG. 9 illustrates an artificial intelligence model (e.g., an application decision model (930)) executed by an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The electronic device (100) and / or the processor (310) of FIG. 3C may execute the artificial intelligence model to determine or select a second screen to be displayed on at least a portion of the flexible display together with a first screen displayed on the cover display. The artificial intelligence model may be a computational model that simulates neural activity of a living organism. The electronic device may include hardware (e.g., a graphic processing unit (GPU) and / or a neural processing unit (NPU)) and / or a software application for executing the artificial intelligence model. The execution of the artificial intelligence model may include an operation in which the electronic device executes at least one processor (e.g., a CPU, a GPU, and / or an NPU) to perform one or more calculations defined for the artificial intelligence model.

[0195] Referring to FIG. 9, a prompt generation model (920) and / or a discriminant model (940) are illustrated, which are executed for training an application decision model (930). For training the application decision model (930), a data set (910) including pairs of screens displayed on each of a cover display and a flexible display may be provided.

[0196] By executing the prompt generation model (920), the electronic device can generate or obtain one or more natural language sentences (e.g., prompts) describing the screens (or software applications) displayed on each of the cover display and the flexible display from the pairs stored in the data set (910). If the data set (910) includes 1:n pairs of a specific screen displayed on the cover display and multiple screens displayed on the flexible display, the electronic device can obtain or generate contextual information (950) corresponding to each of the pairs. The contextual information (950) can include the time and / or location at which each of the pairs was displayed.

[0197] The application decision model (930) may be executed based on the contextual information (950) and the prompt generated by the prompt generation model (920). By executing the application decision model (930), the electronic device may obtain information indicating a screen to be displayed on at least a portion of the flexible display (e.g., a visible portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display). The electronic device may use the obtained information to execute the determination model (940).

[0198] By executing the decision model (940), the electronic device can obtain a similarity between a pair of screens to be displayed on at least a portion of the flexible display, determined by the application decision model (930), and screens displayed on the cover display, indicated by a prompt input to the application decision model (930), and the pairs included in the data set (910). The electronic device can perform training on the application decision model (930) and / or the prompt generation model (920) so as to increase the similarity. The training can include an operation for updating parameters (e.g., weights) associated with the application decision model (930) and / or the prompt generation model (920). Upon completion of the training, the electronic device can store the prompt generated from the prompt generation model (920) as metadata.

[0199] After training, the application decision model (930) and / or the prompt generation model (920) can be executed by the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (100) of FIG. 1). For example, the electronic device can generate or obtain a prompt to be input to the application decision model (930) based on the first screen displayed on the cover display, based on detecting a transition from a folded state to a half-folded state. Alternatively, the electronic device can obtain the prompt from the user. The prompt obtained from the user can include an utterance of the user, such as, "I need an app that can look up information," "I need an app that can calculate," and / or "I need an app that can record information." To obtain the prompt from the user, the electronic device can activate (e.g., turn on) a microphone or display a software keyboard on the display (e.g., the cover display and / or the flexible display).

[0200] By executing the application decision model (930) using the above prompt, the electronic device can identify a second screen to be displayed on the flexible display. Based on the identification of the second screen, the electronic device can display the second screen on at least a portion of the flexible display (e.g., a visible portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display) together with the first screen displayed on the cover display.

[0201] FIG. 10 illustrates an operation of an electronic device (100) for displaying screens on a cover display (170) and a flexible display (140), respectively, based on the order in which the screens were displayed, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The operation of the electronic device (100) described with reference to FIG. 10 may be related to at least one of the operations of the electronic device of FIG. 6A (e.g., operations (630, 632)).

[0202] Referring to FIG. 10, within a state (1011) associated with a folded state, the electronic device (100) may display a first screen requesting an authentication number on the cover display (170). The first screen may be displayed based on the execution of an online banking application. The authentication number may be included in a text message based on SMS. The user of the electronic device (100) may execute a messenger application associated with the SMS to recognize the authentication number to be input to the first screen. In response to an input for executing the messenger application, the electronic device (100) may transition from state (1011) to state (1012) displaying a second screen of the messenger application. Within state (1012), the electronic device (100) may display a second screen including the authentication number on the cover display (170).

[0203] Within state (1012), the electronic device (100) that detects a transition from a fold state to a half-fold state may transition to state (1013). Within state (1013), the electronic device (100) may continue to display a second screen on the cover display (170). Within state (1013), the electronic device (100) may display the first screen, which was displayed before the second screen, on at least a portion of the flexible display (140) (e.g., a viewable portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display (140). By performing operations (630, 632) of FIG. 6A, the electronic device (100) may display the first screen on the flexible display (140). Within the state (1013), the user can input the authentication number into the first screen displayed on the flexible display (140) while viewing the authentication number included in the second screen displayed on the cover display (170).

[0204] FIG. 11 illustrates an operation of an electronic device (100) for switching screens displayed on a cover display (170) and a flexible display (140) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The operation of the electronic device (100) described with reference to FIG. 11 may be performed while controlling all of the cover display (170) and the flexible display (140) based on the operations (620, 628, 632, 634) of FIG. 6A.

[0205] Referring to FIG. 11, in a state (1101) where a screen (A) is displayed on a cover display (170) and a screen (B) is displayed on at least a portion of a flexible display (140) (e.g., a portion of a display area of ​​the flexible display (140) that is visible in a half-fold state), the electronic device (100) can display a visual object (1110) for swapping the positions of the screens (A, B). Although the state (1101) of displaying a visual object (1110) on the flexible display (140) is illustrated, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device (100) can display a visual object (1110) on the cover display (170).

[0206] Within state (1101), the electronic device (100) may receive an input (p1) for swapping screens (A, B) displayed on each of the cover display (170) and the flexible display (140). The input (p1) may include a touch input to a visual object (1110). The input (p1) may include a designated gesture (e.g., a horizontal swipe gesture based on a designated number of fingers) performed on the cover display (170) and / or the flexible display (140).

[0207] The electronic device (100) that receives the input (p1) within the state (1101) can transition to the state (1102). Within the state (1102), the electronic device (100) can display the screen (A) that was displayed on the cover display (170) within the state (1101) prior to the state (1102) on at least a portion of the flexible display (140) (e.g., a visible portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display (140). Within the state (1102), the electronic device (100) can display the screen (B) that was displayed on the flexible display (140) within the state (1101) prior to the state (1102) on the cover display (170).

[0208] Referring to FIG. 11, within a state (1102), the electronic device (100) can display a visual object (1110) on the flexible display (140) and / or the cover display (170). Within the state (1102), in response to receiving an input based on the visual object (1110) (or an input for swapping screens (A, B)), the electronic device (100) can transition back to the state (1101).

[0209] While the flexible display (140) and the cover display (170) are simultaneously activated, a user can input text on a screen displayed on either the flexible display (140) or the cover display (170). Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 12, the operation of the electronic device (100) that displays a software keyboard for inputting text is described.

[0210] FIG. 12 illustrates an operation of an electronic device (100) for switching the position of a software keyboard (1213) between a cover display (170) and a flexible display (140), according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. While displaying screens on the flexible display (140) and the cover display (170), respectively, as in state (192) of FIG. 1 , the electronic device (100) may perform the operation of FIG. 12 . The operation of FIG. 12 may be performed by the electronic device (100) of FIG. 3C and / or the processor (310).

[0211] Referring to FIG. 12, a state (1201) of an electronic device (100) is illustrated, in which a first screen and a second screen are displayed on a cover display (170) and a flexible display (140), respectively. The first screen displayed on the cover display (170) may include a visual object (e.g., a first text box (1211)) for receiving text. The second screen displayed on at least a portion of the flexible display (140) (e.g., a viewable portion of a display area of ​​the flexible display) may include a visual object (e.g., a second text box (1212)) for receiving text. The visual objects may be referred to as input fields.

[0212] The electronic device (100) may receive an input for entering text. The input may include a touch input (e.g., a tap gesture) for a first text box (1211) and / or a second text box (1212). For example, the electronic device (100) that receives a first input for entering text into a first text box (1211) of a first screen may display a software keyboard (1213) as an overlay on the first screen displayed on the cover display (170), as in state (1201). The electronic device (100) that receives the first input may visually emphasize the first text box (1211) with respect to another visual object (e.g., the second text box (1212)). For example, the electronic device (100) may change the color of the border of the first text box (1211) to a designated color, such as red, indicating selection of the first text box (1211).

[0213] Similarly, the electronic device (100) that receives a second input for entering text into a second text box (1212) of a second screen may display a software keyboard (1213) as an overlay on the second screen displayed on the flexible display (140). Based on the second input, the electronic device (100) may visually highlight the second text box (1212) with respect to another text box (e.g., the first text box (1211)).

[0214] Referring to FIG. 12, a software keyboard (1213) displayed while both the flexible display (140) and the cover display (170) are activated may include a visual object (1214) for changing the position of the software keyboard (1213). The shape, size, and / or position of the visual object (1214) is not limited to the embodiment of FIG. 12. Within state (1201), in response to an input indicating selection of the visual object (1214), the electronic device (100) may transition to state (1202). Within state (1202), instead of displaying the software keyboard (1213) on the cover display (170), the electronic device (100) may display the software keyboard (1213) on the flexible display (140). For example, based on receiving an input indicating a selection of a visual object (1214), the electronic device (100) can switch the display on which the software keyboard (1213) is displayed between the flexible display (140) and the cover display (170).

[0215] Within state (1202), the electronic device (100) may display a visual object (1215) for changing the position of the software keyboard (1213) from the flexible display (140) to the cover display (170). The visual object (1215) may be included in the software keyboard (1213) or may be displayed together with the software keyboard (1213). In response to an input indicating selection of the visual object (1215), the electronic device (100) may transition from state (1202) to state (1201). For example, when transitioning from state (1202) to state (1201), the software keyboard (1213) may be moved from the flexible display (140) to the cover display (170).

[0216] FIG. 13 illustrates an operation of an electronic device (100) to determine a screen to be displayed on a flexible display (140) using a fingerprint sensor (e.g., fingerprint sensor (343) of FIG. 3c) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The operation of FIG. 13 may be performed by the electronic device (100) of FIG. 3c and / or the processor (310).

[0217] Referring to FIG. 13, the electronic device (100) may include a button (305) and a fingerprint sensor configured to detect a fingerprint of a finger (1310) in contact with the button (305). In a state (1301) associated with a folded state in which a screen (A) is displayed on the cover display (170), the electronic device (100) may detect a transition from the folded state to a half-folded state. As an input for activating both the flexible display (140) and the cover display (170), the electronic device (100) may receive an input of pressing the button (305). Upon receiving the input along with the transition, the electronic device (100) may display another screen on at least a portion of the flexible display (140) (e.g., a viewable portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display (140)) together with the screen (A) displayed on the cover display (170).

[0218] While receiving an input for pressing the button (305), the electronic device (100) can control the fingerprint sensor to obtain information related to the fingerprint of the finger (1310) that has come into contact with the button (305). Using the information, the electronic device (100) can perform authentication. For example, the electronic device (100) can perform authentication by comparing information representing a previously registered fingerprint with the obtained information. In response to the authentication, the electronic device (100) can execute a software application requesting authentication and obtain or display a second screen related to the executed software application on the flexible display (140). For example, the second screen can be displayed without an authentication operation required to execute the second screen.

[0219] Based on the authentication associated with the input of pressing the button (305), the number and / or type of software applications that can be displayed on the flexible display (140) can be determined. For example, within state (1301), if a transition from the folded state to the half-folded state is detected and authentication based on a fingerprint acquired by the input of a finger (1310) pressing the button (305) is successful, the electronic device (100) can transition to state (1302). Within state (1302), the electronic device (100) can display, on the flexible display (140), a menu (1321) including a list of software applications installed in the electronic device (100). In response to an input received via the menu (1321), the electronic device (100) can display a screen based on the input on the flexible display (140).

[0220] For example, within state (1301), if a transition from a fold state to a half-fold state is detected and authentication based on a fingerprint acquired by an input of a finger (1310) pressing a button (305) fails, the electronic device (100) may transition to state (1303). Within state (1303), the electronic device (100) may display a menu (1331) on the flexible display (140) that includes a list of software applications installed in the electronic device (100). Comparing menu (1331) and menu (1321), icons representing specific software applications requiring authentication (e.g., C application and / or D application) are included in menu (1321) and excluded from menu (1331). For example, based on a failure of authentication, the electronic device (100) may provide a list of software applications that do not require authentication among the software applications installed in the electronic device (100) through a menu (1331).

[0221] The embodiment is not limited thereto. Cases related to the button (305) and the fingerprint sensor can be defined as in Table 1.

[0222] Authentication based on the input fingerprint sensor that presses the case number button (305) Case 1 XX Case 2 XO Case 3 OX Case 4 OO

[0223] The first case may represent a case in which no finger is in contact with the button (305). In the first case, the electronic device (100) that detects a transition from a folded state to a half-folded state may display the screen displayed on the cover display (170) in the folded state on the flexible display (140), as in the state (493) of FIG. 4A.

[0224] The second case may represent a case in which a finger (1310) including a pre-registered fingerprint comes into contact with the button (305). Within the second case, the electronic device (100) that detects a transition from a folded state to a half-folded state may execute a function based on the second case. For example, the electronic device (100) may execute a screen displayed on the cover display (170) within the folded state and a function related to the second case by using the flexible display (140). For example, the electronic device (100) that was displaying a screen based on a web browser application on the cover display (170) within the folded state may display a web browser (or tab) based on a private mode on at least a portion of the flexible display (140) (e.g., a visible portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display (140)) when transitioning from the folded state to the half-folded state within the second case.

[0225] The third case may represent a case in which a finger (1310) including an unregistered fingerprint presses a button (305). Within the third case, the electronic device (100) that detects a transition from a folded state to a half-folded state may execute a function based on the third case. For example, as in state (1303) of FIG. 13, the electronic device (100) may determine a software application to be executed using the flexible display (140) among software applications that do not require authentication.

[0226] The fourth case may represent a case in which a finger (1310) including a registered fingerprint presses a button (305). Within the fourth case, the electronic device (100) that detects a transition from a folded state to a half-folded state may execute a function based on the fourth case. For example, as in state (1302) of FIG. 13, the electronic device (100) may determine a software application to be executed using the flexible display (140) among all software applications installed on the electronic device (100), including a software application requiring authentication.

[0227] FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, and 14E illustrate operations of an electronic device (100) for determining orientations of screens displayed on a cover display (170) and a flexible display (140), respectively, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The operations of FIGS. 14A to 14E may be performed by the electronic device (100) of FIG. 3C and / or the processor (310).

[0228] The layout of the screen displayed on the flexible display (140) and / or the cover display (170) may be related to a reference mode corresponding to the screen. The reference mode corresponding to the screen may be fixed by a software application providing the screen. The reference mode corresponding to the screen may be related to the direction of the electronic device (100) displaying the screen and / or the display on which the screen is displayed. For example, the electronic device (100) may determine the reference mode of the screen using a sensor (e.g., sensor (349) of FIG. 3C). For example, the reference mode may be determined based on the direction of gravitational acceleration applied to the electronic device (100).

[0229] The reference mode of the screen may include a portrait mode and a landscape mode. When displaying a rectangular screen (e.g., a screen displayed on at least a visible portion of the flexible display (140) and / or a cover display (170), the landscape mode may be set so that the electronic device (100) sequentially displays strings along a direction of a relatively long edge within the screen. For example, in the landscape mode, the horizontal direction may be set to be parallel to the direction of a relatively long edge of the screen. The landscape mode may include a state in which the gravitational acceleration applied to the electronic device (100) is parallel to the direction of a relatively short edge within the screen. For example, in the state (701) of FIG. 7, the screen displayed on the flexible display (170) may be displayed based on the landscape mode.

[0230] When displaying a rectangular screen (e.g., a screen displayed on at least a viewable portion of the flexible display (140) and / or a cover display (170), a portrait mode may be set so that the electronic device (100) sequentially displays strings along a direction of a relatively short edge within the screen. For example, within the portrait mode, the horizontal direction may be set to be parallel to the direction of the relatively short edge of the screen. The portrait mode may include a state in which the gravitational acceleration applied to the electronic device (100) is parallel to the direction of a relatively long edge within the screen. For example, within the state (702) of FIG. 7, a screen displayed on a viewable portion of the flexible display (140) may be displayed based on the portrait mode.

[0231] If the reference mode of the screen is fixed by a software application, independently of the above example, the electronic device (100) can display the screen using the reference mode fixed by the software application.

[0232] Referring to FIG. 14A, the electronic device (100) may obtain or receive setting values ​​for determining reference modes of screens to be displayed on the flexible display (140) and the cover display (170) using a screen (1400), referred to as a control center. For example, the electronic device (100) may receive an input for determining one of the specified setting values ​​using a visual object (1410) included in the screen (1400). The specified setting values ​​and the reference modes in each of the specified setting values ​​may be defined as shown in Table 2.

[0233] Reference mode of the first screen to be displayed on the cover display (170) Reference mode of the electronic device (100) Reference mode of the second screen to be displayed on the flexible display (140) Auto rotation Don't care Portrait mode Portrait mode Landscape mode Landscape mode Fixed vertical Don't care Portrait mode Fixed horizontal Landscape mode Match Portrait mode Portrait mode Landscape mode Landscape mode

[0234] The reference mode of Table 2 may represent the reference mode of the screen displayed on the flexible display (140) and / or the cover display (170). The reference mode of the electronic device (100) of Table 2 may be a mode determined according to the direction of the gravitational acceleration applied to the electronic device (100). For example, when the gravitational acceleration detected by the electronic device (100) is perpendicular to a relatively long edge of the cover display (170) and / or the flexible display (140), the reference mode of the electronic device (100) may be determined as a landscape mode. For example, when the gravitational acceleration detected by the electronic device (100) is perpendicular to a relatively short edge of the cover display (170) and / or the flexible display (140), the reference mode of the electronic device (100) may be determined as a portrait mode.

[0235] For example, when an event for multi-tasking occurs, the electronic device (100) that detects a transition from a folded state to a half-folded state can determine a reference mode of a screen to be newly displayed on the flexible display (140) based on the combinations in Table 2. Referring to Table 2, if the setting value corresponds to automatic rotation, the electronic device (100) can determine the reference mode of the screen to be displayed on the flexible display (140) as a reference mode determined by a 6-axis sensor (e.g., the 6-axis sensor (342) of FIG. 3C). Referring to Table 2, if the setting value corresponds to vertical fixation and / or horizontal fixation, the electronic device (100) can fix the reference mode of the screen to be displayed on the flexible display (140) independently of the sensor data of the 6-axis sensor. Referring to Table 2, if the setting value corresponds to a match, the electronic device (100) can determine the reference mode of the screen to be displayed on the flexible display (140) as the reference mode of the screen displayed on the cover display (170). The embodiment is not limited thereto, and if the reference mode of the screen to be displayed on the flexible display (140) is fixed by a software application, the electronic device (100) can display the screen on the flexible display (140) based on the reference mode fixed by the software application.

[0236] Referring to FIGS. 14b, 14c, 14d, and 14e, layouts of screens (A, B) displayed on each of the flexible display (140) and the cover display (170) are exemplarily illustrated while the entire flexible display (140) and the cover display (170) are activated within a half-fold state. In a state (1401) of FIG. 14b, the electronic device (100) can display all of the screens (A, B) using a portrait mode. In a state (1402) of FIG. 14c, the electronic device (100) can display the screen (A) on the cover display (170) using a landscape mode, and can display the screen (B) on at least a portion of the flexible display (140) (e.g., a viewable portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display (140)) using a portrait mode. In state (1403) of FIG. 14d, the electronic device (100) can display the screen (A) on the entire display area of ​​the cover display (170) using the portrait mode, and can display the screen (B) on the viewable portion of the flexible display (140) using the landscape mode. In state (1404) of FIG. 14e, the electronic device (100) can display all of the screens (A, B) using the landscape mode. When the electronic device (100) rotates, the electronic device (100) can determine or adjust the reference modes of the screens (A, B) displayed on each of the cover display (170) and the flexible display (140) based on the combinations in Table 2.

[0237] As described above, an electronic device (100) including multiple folding axes may require relatively many actions (e.g., unfolding the housing) to utilize the entire display area of ​​the flexible display (140). The electronic device (100) may visualize information related to the screen being displayed on the cover display (170) using a viewable portion of the flexible display (140) before fully unfolding the flexible display (140). Because the viewable portion of the flexible display (140) is activated before the rest of the flexible display (140), the electronic device (100) may utilize the pixels of the flexible display (140) more efficiently.

[0238] Although an electronic device (100) including three housing parts has been described as an example, the embodiment is not limited thereto. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 15, an embodiment of an electronic device including more than three housing parts is described.

[0239] FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of an electronic device (1500) having a foldable housing including four housing parts (e.g., a first housing part (1511) to a fourth housing part (1514)), according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0240] Referring to FIG. 15, the housing of the electronic device (1500) may include a first housing part (1511), a second housing part (1512) rotatably coupled with the first housing part (1511), a third housing part (1513) rotatably coupled with the second housing part (1512), and a fourth housing part (1514) rotatably coupled with the third housing part (1513). The flexible display (140) of the electronic device (1500) may be disposed on the first housing part (1511) to the fourth housing part (1514). The cover display (170) of the electronic device (1500) may be disposed on one side of the housing opposite the flexible display (140). Referring to FIG. 15, one embodiment of an electronic device (1500) including a cover display (170) positioned in a third housing part (1513) is illustrated.

[0241] The states of the electronic device (1500) can be divided into an unfolded state, a half-folded state, and a folded state, similarly to the electronic device (100) described above with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2C. The state (1501) of FIG. 15 may correspond to the unfolded state. The states (1502, 1503, 1505) of FIG. 15 may be included in the half-folded state. The state (1504) of FIG. 15 may correspond to the folded state. Within the state (1504) corresponding to the folded state, among the cover display (170) and the flexible display (140), the cover display (170) may be visible.

[0242] While displaying the first screen on the cover display (170) within the state (1504), the electronic device (1500) can detect a transition from the folded state to the half-folded state. If an event for multi-tasking occurs, the electronic device (1500) that detects the transition can maintain displaying the first screen on the cover display (170) and display the second screen on at least a portion of the flexible display (140) (e.g., a viewable portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display (140).

[0243] For example, within the state (1505) of FIG. 15, a portion of the flexible display (140) disposed on the fourth housing part (1514) may be visible together with the cover display (170). Within the state (1505), the electronic device (1500) may display a first screen on the cover display (170) and a second screen on the portion of the flexible display (140). The second screen to be displayed on the portion of the flexible display (140) together with the first screen displayed on the cover display (170) may be determined based on the operations of FIG. 6A and / or the application decision model (930) of FIG. 9.

[0244] FIG. 16A illustrates an example of a first state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16B illustrates an example of a second state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16C illustrates an example of a third state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0245] Referring to FIGS. 16A, 16B, and 16C, an electronic device (1600) may include a housing structure (1601), a flexible display (1640), a first hinge structure (1650), a second hinge structure (1660), and a display (1670). The housing structure (1601) may include a first housing part (1610), a second housing part (1620), and a third housing part (1630).

[0246] The first housing part (1610) can be rotatably coupled to the second housing part (1620) by the first hinge structure (1650). The second housing part (1620) and the first housing part (1610) can be rotated with respect to the first hinge structure (1650). While the first housing part (1610) is rotated with respect to the first hinge structure (1650), the second housing part (1620) can be rotated with respect to the first hinge structure (1650). For example, when the second housing part (1620) and the first housing part (1610) are rotated with respect to the first hinge structure (1650), the angular displacement of the second housing part (1620) can be substantially equal to the angular displacement of the first housing part (1610).

[0247] The third housing part (1630) can be rotatably coupled to the second housing part (1620) by a second hinge structure (1660). The second housing part (1620) and the third housing part (1630) can rotate with respect to the second hinge structure (1660). While the second housing part (1620) rotates with respect to the second hinge structure (1660), the third housing part (1630) can rotate with respect to the second hinge structure (1660). For example, when the second housing part (1620) and the third housing part (1630) rotate with respect to the second hinge structure (1660), the angular displacement (or angular change) of the second housing part (1620) can be substantially equal to the angular displacement of the third housing part (1630).

[0248] The first hinge structure (1650) and the second hinge structure (1660) can change the state of the electronic device. The first hinge structure (1650) and the second hinge structure (1660) can provide (or enable) a first state (1600a) of the electronic device (1600) (or a first state (1600a) of the housing structure (1601)). The first state (1600a) of the electronic device (1600) (or the first state (1600a) of the housing structure (1601)) can be described as an unfolded state (or an unfolded state) of the electronic device (1600) (or the housing structure (1601)). Within the first state (1600a), the front surface of the first housing part (1610), the front surface of the second housing part (1620), and the front surface of the third housing part (1630) can define the front surface of the electronic device (1600). Within the first state (1600a), the front surface of the first housing part (1610), the front surface of the second housing part (1620), and the front surface of the third housing part (1630) can face the same direction. Within the first state (1600a), the electronic device (1600) can provide a large display area of ​​the flexible display (1640) to the user.

[0249] The first hinge structure (1650) and the second hinge structure (1660) can provide a second state (1600b) of the electronic device (1600). The second state (1600b) of the electronic device (1600) can be described as a state in which the electronic device (1600) is partially folded and partially unfolded (or a single folding state or a half-folding state). For example, within the second state (1600b), the front surface of the second housing part (1620) and the front surface of the third housing part (1630) can face the same direction, and the front surface of the first housing part (1610) and the front surface of the second housing part (1620) can face opposite directions. For example, within the second state, the first housing part (1610) and the second housing part (1620) can be folded, and the second housing part (1620) and the third housing part (1630) can be unfolded. Within the second state (1600b), the electronic device (1600) can convey visual information through a portion of the flexible display (1640) (e.g., the third display area (1640c)).

[0250] The electronic device (1600) can change from the first state (1600a) to the third state (1600c) through the second state (1600b). The electronic device (1600) can change from the first state (1600a), which is an unfolded state, to the second state (1600b), which is a partially unfolded state. For example, the electronic device (1600) can change from the first state (1600a), in which the first housing part (1610), the second housing part (1620), and the third housing part (1630) face the same direction, to the second state (1600b), in which the front side of the first housing part (1610) faces the front side of the second housing part (1620). The electronic device (1600) can change from a second state (1600b), which is a partially unfolded state, to a third state (1600c), which is a folded state. For example, when changing from the second state (1600b) to the third state (1600c), the folded first housing part (1610) and second housing part (1620) can be placed on the third housing part (1630).

[0251] The first hinge structure (1650) and the second hinge structure (1660) can provide a third state (1600c) of the electronic device (1600) (or a third state (1600c) of the housing structure (1601)). The third state (1600c) of the electronic device (1600) (or the third state (1600c) of the housing structure (1601)) can be described as a folded state (or a folding state or a multi-folding state) of the electronic device (1600) (or the housing structure (1601)). Within the third state (1600c), the front surface of the first housing part (1610) and the front surface of the second housing part (1620) can face opposite directions, and the front surface of the second housing part (1620) and the front surface of the third housing part (1630) can face opposite directions. Within the third state (1600c), the front of the first housing part (1610) and the front of the third housing part (1630) may face the same direction. For example, within the third state (1600c), the front of the second housing part (1620) may face the front of the first housing part (1610), and the front of the third housing part (1630) may face the back of the first housing part (1610). Within the third state (1600c), the back of the second housing part (1620) may be exposed to the outside. The camera (1675) may be positioned on the back of the second housing part (1620). Within the third state (1600c), the back of the third housing part (1630) may be exposed to the outside. The display (1670) may be positioned on the back of the third housing part (1630). Within the third state (1600c), the electronic device (1600) can be folded to enhance portability and provide visual information through a display (1670) disposed in the third housing part (1630) of the electronic device (1600) in the third state (1600c).

[0252] The electronic device (1600) may further include a key button (1639). The key button (1639) may be exposed from a structure (e.g., an opening) formed on a side of the third housing part (1630) and may partially protrude outside the electronic device (1600). The key button (1639) may provide a physical input by pressure transmitted from the outside to a processing circuit inside the electronic device (1600). The key button (1639) may not be included in the electronic device and may be implemented in another form, such as a soft key displayed on a flexible display (1640) or a display (1670).

[0253] The key button (1639) may be positioned on the side of the third housing part (1630) so as to be exposed to the outside in the third state (1600c). The key button positioned on the third housing part (1630) may move from the left side of the electronic device (1600) to the right side of the electronic device (1600) as the state of the electronic device (1600) changes from the third state (1600c) to the first state (1600a) by a user looking at the display. For example, referring to FIG. 16a, in the first state (1600a), when the flexible display (1640) is viewed from above, the key button (1639) may be positioned on the right side. Referring to FIG. 16c, in the third state (1600c), when the display (1670) is viewed from above, the key button (1639) may be positioned on the left side.

[0254] A flexible display (1640) can at least partially define the exterior appearance of an electronic device (1600). The flexible display (1640) can be partially disposed within a housing structure (1601). The flexible display (1640) can define a front surface of the electronic device (1600). The flexible display (1640) can include a first unbendable portion (1641), a second unbendable portion (1642), a third unbendable portion (1643), a first bendable portion (1644), and a second bendable portion (1645). The first unbendable portion (1641) of the flexible display (1640) can be disposed on a front surface of a first housing part (1610). The second unbendable portion (1642) of the flexible display (1640) may be disposed on the front side of the second housing part (1620). The third unbendable portion (1643) of the flexible display (1640) may be disposed on the front side of the third housing part (1630). The first bendable portion (1644) of the flexible display (1640) may be disposed between the first unbendable portion (1641) and the second unbendable portion (1642) of the flexible display (1640). For example, the first bendable portion (1644) of the flexible display (1640) may be disposed on the first hinge structure (1650) connecting the first housing part (1610) and the second housing part (1620). The second bendable portion (1645) of the flexible display (1640) may be positioned between the second unbendable portion (1642) and the third unbendable portion (1643) of the flexible display (1640). For example, the second bendable portion (1645) of the flexible display (1640) may be positioned on a second hinge structure (1660) connecting the second housing part (1620) and the third housing part (1630).

[0255] The first hinge structure (1650) and the second hinge structure (1660) can be oriented in substantially the same direction as the first unbendable portion (1641) of the flexible display (1640), the second unbendable portion (1642) of the flexible display (1640), and the third unbendable portion (1643) of the flexible display (1640). In the first state (1600a), the first bendable portion (1644) and the second bendable portion (1645) can be arranged in substantially the same horizontal plane as the first unbendable portion (1641), the second unbendable portion (1642), and the third unbendable portion (1643).

[0256] The first hinge structure (1650) and the second hinge structure (1660) can provide a second state (1600b) of the electronic device (1600). Within the second state (1600b), the first unbendable portion (1641) of the flexible display (1640) can face the second unbendable portion (1642) of the flexible display (1640), and the third unbendable portion (1643) of the flexible display (1640) can face the same direction as the second unbendable portion (1642) of the flexible display (1640). For example, the second unbendable portion (1642) and the third unbendable portion (1643) can be arranged in substantially the same horizontal plane.

[0257] In the second state (1600b), the first bendable portion (1644) of the flexible display (1640) is bent by the first hinge structure (1650), so that the first bendable portion (1644) of the flexible display (1640) can be folded so that the first unbendable portion (1641) of the flexible display (1640) and the second unbendable portion (1642) of the flexible display (1640) face different directions.

[0258] In the second state (1600b), the second bendable portion (1645) of the flexible display (1640) is maintained in an unfolded state by the second hinge structure (1660), so that the second bendable portion (1645) of the flexible display (1640) can unfold so that the second unbendable portion (1642) of the flexible display (1640) and the third unbendable portion (1643) of the flexible display (1640) face the same direction.

[0259] The first hinge structure (1650) and the second hinge structure (1660) can provide a third state (1600c) of the electronic device (1600). Within the third state (1600c), the second unbendable portion (1642) of the flexible display (1640) can face the first unbendable portion (1641) of the flexible display (1640), and the third unbendable portion (1643) of the flexible display (1640) can face the back of the first housing part (1610).

[0260] In the third state (1600c), the first bendable portion (1644) of the flexible display (1640) is bent by the first hinge structure (1650), so that the first bendable portion (1644) of the flexible display (1640) can be folded so that the first unbendable portion (1641) of the flexible display (1640) and the second unbendable portion (1642) of the flexible display (1640) face different directions.

[0261] In the third state (1600c), the second bendable portion (1645) of the flexible display (1640) is bent by the second hinge structure (1660), so that the second bendable portion (1645) of the flexible display (1640) can be folded such that the second unbendable portion (1642) of the flexible display (1640) and the third unbendable portion (1643) of the flexible display (1640) face different directions. The second bendable portion (1645) may further include a first deformable portion (1645a), a second deformable portion (1645b), and a flat portion (1645c). The first deformable portion (1645a) may be disposed between the planar portion (1645c) and the second unbendable portion (1642), and the second deformable portion (1645b) may be disposed between the planar portion (1645c) and the third unbendable portion (1643). The planar portion (1645c) may be disposed between the first deformable portion (1645a) and the second deformable portion (1645b). The planar portion (1645c) may be supported by a support plate (e.g., the support plate (1764) of FIG. 17a) that is distinct from the hinge plates of the second hinge structure (1660) (e.g., the third hinge plate (1762) and the fourth hinge plate (1763) of FIG. 17a). Regardless of the state of the electronic device (1600), the planar portion (1645c) may remain flat. The first deformable portion (1645a) and the second deformable portion (1645b) can be unfolded in the first state (1600a) and the second state (1600b), and in the third state (1600c), the first deformable portion (1645a) and the second deformable portion (1645b) can be folded so that the second unbendable portion (1642) and the third unbendable portion (1643) face different directions.

[0262] Within the third state (1600c), the first housing part (1610) can be positioned between the second housing part (1620) and the third housing part (1630). Within the third state (1600c), the second bendable portion (1645) of the flexible display (1640) positioned on the second hinge structure (1660) can be partially directed toward the side surface (1610c) of the first housing part (1610).

[0263] The display area of ​​the flexible display (1640) may include a first display area (1640a), a second display area (1640b), and a third display area (1640c). The display area represents an area that can provide visual information from the flexible display (1640). In the first state (1600a), the entire display area of ​​the flexible display (1640) may be visible from the front of the housing structure (1601). For example, in the first state (1600a), the first display area (1640a), the second display area (1640b), and the third display area (1640c) of the flexible display (1640) may be visually exposed. The electronic device (1600) can provide a user with a large display area including a first display area (1640a), a second display area (1640b), and a third display area (1640c).

[0264] Within the second state (1600b), the display area of ​​the flexible display (1640) may be partially visible from the front of the third housing part (1630). For example, the third unbendable portion (1643) may be visually exposed, and the first display area (1640a) and the second display area (1640b) may not be visually exposed.

[0265] Within the third state (1600c), the display area of ​​the flexible display (1640) may not be visible. For example, within the third state (1600c), the first display area (1640a), the second display area (1640b), and the third display area (1640c) of the flexible display (1640) may not be visually exposed.

[0266] As a non-limiting example, when the flexible display (1640) is used to display a screen within a first state (1600a) of the electronic device (1600), the first display area (1640a), the second display area (1640b), and the third display area (1640c) of the flexible display (1640) may be activated. As a non-limiting example, when the flexible display (1640) is used to display a screen within a second state (1600b) of the electronic device (1600), the third display area (1640c) may be activated, and the first display area (1640a) and the second display area (1640b) of the flexible display (1640) may be deactivated. As a non-limiting example, within a third state (1600c) of the electronic device (1600), the first display area (1640a), the second display area (1640b), and the third display area (1640c) of the flexible display (1640) may be deactivated.

[0267] As a non-limiting example, when the flexible display (1640) is used to display a screen within a first state (1600a) of the electronic device (1600), the first display area (1640a), the second display area (1640b), and the third display area (1640c) of the flexible display (1640) can display visual information. As a non-limiting example, when the flexible display (1640) is used to display a screen within a second state (1600b) of the electronic device (1600), the third display area (1640c) can provide visual information, and the first display area (1640a) and the second display area (1640b) of the flexible display (1640) can provide a black image. As a non-limiting example, within the third state (1600c), the first display area (1640a), the second display area (1640b), and the third display area (1640c) of the flexible display (1640) can provide black images.

[0268] FIG. 17A is a plan view of an electronic device with the flexible display removed, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 17B is a rear view of an electronic device with the back cover and display removed, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0269] Referring to FIGS. 17A and 17B , the electronic device (1600) may include a first hinge structure (1650) and a second hinge structure (1660). A first width (w3) of the first hinge structure (1650) may be narrower than a second width (w4) of the second hinge structure (1660). A difference between the first width (w3) of the first hinge structure (1650) and the second width (w4) of the second hinge structure (1660) may be equal to or greater than a thickness of the first housing part (1610). For example, the second hinge structure (1660) may have a second width (w4) that is wider than the first width (w3) such that the first housing part (1610) is positioned between the second housing part (1620) and the third housing part (1630) according to the third state (1600c). The first hinge structure (1650) may be referred to as a narrow hinge structure in terms of having a narrower width than the second hinge structure (1660). The second hinge structure (1660) may be referred to as a wide hinge structure in terms of having a wider width than the first hinge structure (1650).

[0270] A first hinge structure (1650) may include a first set of gears (1751), a first hinge plate (1752), and a second hinge plate (1753). The first hinge plate (1752) may be coupled to a first support portion (1611) of a first housing part (1610). The second hinge plate (1753) may be coupled to a second support portion (1621) of a second housing part (1620). The gears (g161, g162, g163, g164) included in the first set of gears (1751) may be configured to rotate the first hinge plate (1752) and the second hinge plate (1753). For example, the gears (g161, g162, g163, g164) included in the first set of gears (1751) can rotate the second hinge plate (1753) (or the second housing part (1620)) in conjunction with the rotation of the first hinge plate (1752) (or the first housing part (1610)). When the first hinge plate (1752) (or the first housing part (1610)) rotates, the gears (g161, g162, g163, g164) included in the first set of gears (1751) can rotate in accordance with the rotation of the first hinge plate (1752) (or the first housing part (1610)). The second hinge plate (1753) (or the second housing part (1620)) can be rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the first hinge plate (1752) according to the rotation of the gears (g161, g162, g163, g164) included in the first set of gears (1751). The gears (g161, g162, g163, g164) included in the first set of gears (1751) can include a first gear (g161), a second gear (g162), a third gear (g163), and a fourth gear (g164). The first gear (g161) can be arranged adjacent to the first hinge plate (1752), and the fourth gear (g164) can be arranged adjacent to the second hinge plate (1753).The second gear (g162) and the third gear (g163) may be arranged between the first gear (g161) and the fourth gear (g164). The first gear (g161), the second gear (g162), the third gear (g163), and the fourth gear (g164) may be sequentially engaged. Depending on the rotation of the first gear (g161) in the first rotation direction (e.g., clockwise), the second gear (g162) engaged with the first gear (g161) may be rotated in the second rotation direction (e.g., counterclockwise) opposite to the first rotation direction. Depending on the rotation of the second gear (g162) in the second rotation direction, the third gear (g163) engaged with the second gear (g162) may be rotated in the first rotation direction. As the third gear (g163) rotates in the first rotation direction, the fourth gear (g164) can rotate in the second rotation direction. As the first gear (g161) and the fourth gear (g164) rotate in different directions, the first housing part (1610) connected to the first hinge plate (1752) and the second housing part (1620) connected to the second hinge plate (1753) can fold or unfold.

[0271] The second hinge structure (1660) may include a second set of gears (1761), a third hinge plate (1762), a fourth hinge plate (1763), and a support plate (1764). The third hinge plate (1762) may be coupled to a second support portion (1621) of the second housing part (1620). The fourth hinge plate (1763) may be coupled to a third support portion (1631) of the third housing part (1630). The gears (g171, g1717, g173, g174, g175, g176) included in the second set of gears (1761) may be configured to rotate the third hinge plate (1762) and the fourth hinge plate (1763). For example, the gears (g171, g1717, g173, g174, g175, g176) included in the second set of gears (1761) can rotate the fourth hinge plate (1763) (or the third housing part (1630)) in conjunction with the rotation of the third hinge plate (1762) (or the second housing part (1620)). After the third hinge plate (1762) (or the second housing part (1620)) is rotated, the gears (g171, g1717, g173, g174, g175, g176) included in the second set of gears (1761) can be rotated in accordance with the rotation of the third hinge plate (1762) (or the second housing part (1620)). The fourth hinge plate (1763) (or the third housing part (1630)) can be rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the third hinge plate (1762) according to the rotation of the gears (g171, g1717, g173, g174, g175, g176) included in the second set of gears (1761).

[0272] The gears (g171, g1717, g173, g174, g175, g176) included in the second set of gears (1761) may include a first gear (g171), a second gear (g1717), a third gear (g173), a fourth gear (g174), a fifth gear (g175), and a sixth gear (g176). The first gear (g171) may be arranged adjacent to the third hinge plate (1762), and the sixth gear (g176) may be arranged adjacent to the fourth hinge plate (1763). The second gear (g1717), the third gear (g173), the fourth gear (g174), and the fifth gear (g175) may be arranged between the first gear (g171) and the sixth gear (g176). The first gear (g171), the second gear (g1717), the third gear (g173), the fourth gear (g174), the fifth gear (g175), and the sixth gear (g176) can be sequentially meshed. According to the rotation of the first gear (g171) in the first rotation direction (e.g., clockwise), the second gear (g1717) meshed with the first gear (g171) can be rotated in the second rotation direction (e.g., counterclockwise) opposite to the first rotation direction. According to the rotation of the second gear (g1717) in the second rotation direction, the third gear (g173) meshed with the second gear (g1717) can be rotated in the first rotation direction. According to the rotation of the third gear (g173) in the first rotation direction, the fourth gear (g174) can be rotated in the second rotation direction. According to the rotation of the fourth gear (g174) in the second rotation direction, the fifth gear (g175) meshed with the fourth gear (g174) can be rotated in the first rotation direction. According to the rotation of the fifth gear (g175) in the first rotation direction, the sixth gear (g176) meshed with the fifth gear (g175) can be rotated in the second rotation direction.As the first gear (g171) and the sixth gear (g176) rotate in different directions, the second housing part (1620) connected to the third hinge plate (1762) and the third housing part (1630) connected to the fourth hinge plate (1763) can be folded or unfolded.

[0273] The first hinge structure (1650) and the second hinge structure (1660) may further include a spiral structure. The spiral structure may include a spiral groove formed on each hinge plate or a rotating member connected to the hinge plate, and a moving member sliding along the spiral groove. The hinge plates connected to the hinge structure may be configured to rotate at substantially the same angular displacement through the spiral structure.

[0274] The electronic device (1600) may include a first printed circuit board (1771), a second printed circuit board (1772), and a third printed circuit board (1773).

[0275] A first printed circuit board (1771) may be placed on a first support portion (1611) of a first housing part (1610). Hardware components within the first housing part (1610) may be mounted on the first printed circuit board (1771).

[0276] A second printed circuit board (1772) may be disposed on a second support portion (1621) of a second housing part (1620). Hardware components within the second housing part (1620) may include at least one processor (e.g., an application processor (AP), a communication processor (CP)) including a processing circuit mounted on the second printed circuit board (1772), a memory including one or more storage media, a communication circuit, and a rear camera (1675). The rear camera (1675) may be exposed through a structure (e.g., an opening) on ​​the rear surface of the second housing part (1620).

[0277] A third printed circuit board (1773) may be disposed on a third support portion (1631) of a third housing part (1630). Hardware components within the third housing part (1630) may be mounted on the third printed circuit board (1773). The hardware components disposed on the third printed circuit board (1773) may support or operate independently of the hardware components disposed on the second printed circuit board (1772). The hardware components disposed on the third printed circuit board (1773) may include a speaker, a front camera, and / or a display driving circuit.

[0278] The hardware components placed on the first printed circuit board (1771) can support or operate independently of the hardware components placed on the second printed circuit board (1772) and / or the hardware components placed on the third printed circuit board (1773).

[0279] The electronic device (1600) may further include a sub-printed circuit board (1775) and flexible printed circuit boards (1780, 1790). The sub-printed circuit board (1775) may be disposed on at least some of the first housing part (1610), the second housing part (1620), and the third housing part (1630). The flexible printed circuit boards (1780, 1790) may include a first flexible printed circuit board (1780) and a second flexible printed circuit board (1790). The first flexible printed circuit board (1780) may electrically connect the printed circuit boards disposed on each of the housing parts (1610, 1620, 1630). The second flexible printed circuit board (1790) can connect the printed circuit board and the sub-printed circuit board (1775) within the housing part in which the sub-printed circuit board (1775) is placed by the second flexible printed circuit board (1790).

[0280] Electronic components within the electronic device (1600) may be connected to at least one processor within the second printed circuit board (1772) via flexible printed circuit boards (1780, 1790). For example, a signal received from an antenna disposed in the third housing part (1630) may be transmitted to the second printed circuit board (1772) on which at least one processor (e.g., an AP or CP) is disposed via a signal path (d) provided by the first flexible printed circuit board (1780). A driving circuit for the flexible display (1640) disposed within the first housing part (1610) may be connected to the second printed circuit board (1772) on which at least one processor (e.g., an AP) is disposed via a signal path (e) provided by the first flexible printed circuit board (1780). A driving circuit for a display (1670) connected to a sub-printed circuit board (1775) disposed on a third housing part (1630) may be electrically connected to a second printed circuit board (1772) on which at least one processor (e.g., AP) is disposed, via a signal path (f) provided by the sub-printed circuit board (1775), the first flexible printed circuit board (1780), and the second flexible printed circuit board (1790). The electronic device (1600) may further include batteries. Each of the batteries may be attached to support parts (1611, 1621, 1631) included in the housing parts (1610, 1620, 1630). The support parts (1611, 1621, 1631) may support rechargeable batteries.

[0281] The arrangement of hardware components is exemplary, and differently from the above, the rear camera (1675) and the second printed circuit board (1772) may be arranged in the third housing part (1630), and the third printed circuit board (1773) may be arranged in the second housing part (1620).

[0282] Although the first housing part (1610) and the third housing part (1630) are shown as rotating in opposite directions with respect to the second housing part (1620), this is not limited thereto. For example, during the transition from the first state (1600a) to the third state (1600c), the first housing part (1610) may rotate counterclockwise with respect to the second housing part (1620), and the third housing part (1630) may rotate counterclockwise with respect to the second housing part (1620). As the first housing part (1610) and the third housing part (1630) rotate in the same direction, a portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display (1640) within the second state may be visually exposed.

[0283] The electronic device (1600) of FIGS. 16A to 16C, 17A, and 17B may be referred to as a G-type foldable electronic device. The electronic device (1600) may simultaneously activate a cover display (e.g., display (1670)) and a flexible display (1640) within a half-fold state, similar to the electronic device (100) described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2A to 2C, 3A to 3C, 4A to 4C, 5A to 5C, 6A, 6B, 7, 8A, 8B, 9 to 13, and / or 14A to 14E.

[0284] As described above, according to one embodiment, an electronic device can provide a state in which all displays are activated. Using this state, the electronic device can provide a user experience based on multitasking. An electronic device including a foldable housing can provide this state using at least a portion of the flexible display and the cover display before the flexible display is fully unfolded.

[0285] In one embodiment, a method may be required to provide a user experience based on multitasking using multiple displays included in an electronic device. In one embodiment, a method may be required to display another screen, at least temporarily, without hiding or obscuring the screen displayed on a specific display (e.g., a cover display).

[0286] According to one embodiment, a foldable electronic device as described above may include a foldable housing including a first housing part, a second housing part rotatably coupled with the first housing part, and a third housing part rotatably coupled with the second housing part, a flexible display disposed across the first housing part, the second housing part, and the third housing part, a cover display disposed in a portion of an opposite side of the flexible display, at least one first sensor configured to detect a first angle between the first housing part and the second housing part, and at least one second sensor configured to detect a second angle between the second housing part and the third housing part, a memory storing instructions and including one or more storage media, and at least one processor including a processing circuit. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the foldable electronic device to detect a state of the foldable electronic device using at least one of the at least one first sensor or the at least one second sensor. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the foldable electronic device to display a first screen on the cover display while the foldable electronic device is in a fully folded state. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the foldable electronic device to detect that the first housing part or the third housing part of the foldable electronic device in the folded state is opened while displaying the first screen on the cover display.The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the foldable electronic device to maintain displaying the first screen on the cover display and to display a second screen on a portion of the flexible display based on detecting that the first housing part or the third housing part is open.

[0287] For example, the foldable electronic device may include a visible button on at least a portion of the foldable housing. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the foldable electronic device to display the second screen on the flexible display based on detecting that the first housing part or the third housing part is opened while receiving a user input based on the button.

[0288] For example, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the foldable electronic device to display, on the flexible display, the second screen that was displayed prior to the first screen based on detecting that the first housing part or the third housing part is opened while receiving the user input.

[0289] For example, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the foldable electronic device to display, on the flexible display, a list of software applications for selecting the second screen based on detecting that the first housing part or the third housing part is open while receiving the user input. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the foldable electronic device to display, on the flexible display, the second screen associated with another user input associated with the list of software applications.

[0290] For example, the foldable electronic device may include a fingerprint sensor configured to detect a fingerprint of a finger in contact with the button. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the foldable electronic device to control the fingerprint sensor while receiving the user input to obtain information related to the fingerprint of the finger in contact with the button. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the foldable electronic device to execute a software application requesting authentication in response to authentication based on the information, and to obtain the second screen related to the software application.

[0291] For example, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the foldable electronic device to execute a software application associated with the notification message to obtain the second screen based on detecting that the first housing part or the third housing part is opened while displaying the notification message on the first screen.

[0292] For example, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the foldable electronic device to display the second screen on a portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display that is visible by the opened first housing part or the third housing part.

[0293] For example, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the foldable electronic device to determine the state of the foldable housing as the folded state based on identifying, using at least one of the at least one first sensor or the at least one second sensor, that the cover display among the flexible display and the cover display is visible. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the foldable electronic device to detect, based on detecting that either the first angle or the second angle is greater than a specified angular range associated with the folded state, that a housing part among the first housing part or the third housing part corresponding to the angle is open. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the foldable electronic device to determine the state of the foldable housing as a half-folded state based on identifying, using at least one of the at least one first sensor or the at least one second sensor, that a portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display is viewable together with the cover display. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the foldable electronic device to determine, using at least one of the at least one first sensor or the at least one second sensor, that the entire display area of ​​the flexible display is viewable, based on identifying, using at least one of the at least one first sensor or the at least one second sensor, that the state of the foldable housing is unfolded.

[0294] For example, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the foldable electronic device to deactivate the cover display based on detecting a transition from the semi-folded state to the unfolded state while displaying the second screen. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the foldable electronic device to display a fourth screen, the fourth screen including at least partially content of the second screen, over the entire display area of ​​the flexible display.

[0295] For example, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the foldable electronic device to display a software keyboard as an overlay on the first screen displayed on the cover display based on receiving a first input for entering text on the first screen while displaying the second screen on the flexible display. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the foldable electronic device to display the software keyboard as an overlay on the second screen displayed on the flexible display based on receiving a second input for entering text on the second screen.

[0296] For example, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to switch the display on which the software keyboard is displayed between the flexible display and the cover display based on receiving a third input indicating selection of a designated visual object included in the software keyboard.

[0297] As described above, in one embodiment, a method performed by a foldable electronic device may be provided. The electronic device may include a foldable housing including a first housing part, a second housing part rotatably coupled with the first housing part, and a third housing part rotatably coupled with the second housing part, a flexible display disposed across the first housing part, the second housing part, and the third housing part, a cover display disposed in a portion of an opposite side of the flexible display, at least one first sensor configured to detect a first angle between the first housing part and the second housing part, and at least one second sensor configured to detect a second angle between the second housing part and the third housing part. The method may include an operation of detecting a state of the foldable electronic device using at least one of the at least one first sensor or the at least one second sensor. The method may include an operation of displaying a first screen on the cover display while the foldable electronic device is in a fully folded state. The method may include an operation of detecting that the first housing part or the third housing part of the foldable electronic device in the folded state is opened while displaying the first screen on the cover display. The method may include an operation of maintaining the display of the first screen on the cover display and displaying a second screen on a portion of an area of ​​the flexible display based on detecting that the first housing part or the third housing part is opened.

[0298] For example, the act of displaying the second screen may include an act of displaying the second screen on the flexible display based on detecting that the first housing part or the third housing part is opened while receiving a user input based on a recognizable button on at least a portion of the foldable housing.

[0299] For example, the action of displaying the second screen may include an action of displaying the second screen that was displayed before the first screen on the flexible display.

[0300] For example, the method may include an action of displaying, on the flexible display, a list of software applications for selecting the second screen based on detecting that the first housing part or the third housing part is opened while receiving the user input. The action of displaying the second screen may include an action of displaying, on the flexible display, the second screen related to another user input related to the list of software applications.

[0301] For example, the action of displaying the second screen may include an action of controlling a fingerprint sensor configured to detect a fingerprint of a finger in contact with the button while receiving the user input, thereby obtaining information related to the fingerprint of the finger in contact with the button. The action of displaying the second screen may include an action of executing a software application requesting authentication in response to authentication based on the information, thereby obtaining the second screen related to the software application.

[0302] For example, the action of displaying the second screen may include an action of acquiring the second screen by executing a software application related to the notification message based on detecting that the first housing part or the second housing part is opened while displaying the notification message on the first screen.

[0303] For example, the action of displaying the second screen may include an action of displaying the second screen on a portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display that is recognizable by the opened first housing part or the third housing part.

[0304] For example, the detecting operation may include an operation of determining the state of the foldable housing as the folded state based on identifying, using at least one of the at least one first sensor or the at least one second sensor, that the cover display among the flexible display and the cover display is viewable. The detecting operation may include an operation of detecting, based on detecting that either the first angle or the second angle is greater than a specified angular range associated with the folded state, that a housing part corresponding to the angle among the first housing part or the third housing part is open. The detecting operation may include an operation of determining the state of the foldable housing as the semi-folded state based on identifying, using at least one of the at least one first sensor or the at least one second sensor, that a portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display is viewable together with the cover display. The detecting operation may include an operation of determining the state of the foldable housing as an unfolded state based on identifying, using at least one of the at least one first sensor or the at least one second sensor, that the entire display area of ​​the flexible display is viewable.

[0305] For example, the method may include an action of deactivating the cover display based on detecting a transition from the semi-folded state to the unfolded state while displaying the second screen. The method may include an action of displaying a fourth screen, at least partially including content of the second screen, over the entire display area of ​​the flexible display based on detecting a transition from the semi-folded state to the unfolded state.

[0306] For example, the operation of displaying the second screen may include an operation of displaying a software keyboard as an overlay on the first screen displayed on the cover display based on receiving a first input for entering text on the first screen. The operation of displaying the second screen may include an operation of displaying the software keyboard as an overlay on the second screen displayed on the flexible display based on receiving a second input for entering text on the second screen.

[0307] For example, the method may include switching a display on which the software keyboard is displayed between the flexible display and the cover display based on receiving a third input indicating selection of a designated visual object included in the software keyboard.

[0308] According to one embodiment, an electronic device as described above may include a foldable housing including a first housing part, a second housing part rotatably coupled with the first housing part, and a third housing part rotatably coupled with the second housing part, a flexible display crossing the first housing part, the second housing part, and the third housing part, a cover display opposite the flexible display, at least one sensor configured to detect at least one of a first angle between the first housing part and the second housing part, and a second angle between the second housing part and the third housing part, a memory including one or more storage media storing instructions, and at least one processor including a processing circuit. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to detect a state of the foldable housing using the at least one sensor. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to display a first screen on the cover display based on detecting the state in the folded state. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to detect a transition from the folded state to a half-fold state while displaying the first screen on the cover display. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to maintain displaying the first screen on the cover display based on detecting the transition while an event for multi-tasking has occurred.The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to display a second screen on the flexible display. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to deactivate the cover display based on detecting the transition independently of the event. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to display a third screen on the flexible display, the third screen at least partially including content of the first screen.

[0309] For example, the electronic device may include a visible button on at least a portion of the foldable housing. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to display the second screen on the flexible display based on detecting the transition while receiving a user input based on the button.

[0310] For example, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to display, on the flexible display, the second screen that was displayed prior to the first screen based on detecting the transition while receiving the user input.

[0311] For example, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to display, on the flexible display, a list of software applications for selecting the second screen based on detecting the transition while receiving the user input. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to display, on the flexible display, the second screen associated with another user input associated with the list of software applications.

[0312] For example, the electronic device may include a fingerprint sensor configured to detect a fingerprint contacted on the button. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to control the fingerprint sensor while receiving the user input to obtain information related to the fingerprint contacted on the button. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to execute a software application requesting authentication in response to authentication based on the information, and to obtain the second screen associated with the software application.

[0313] For example, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to execute a software application associated with the notification message to obtain the second screen based on detecting the transition while displaying the notification message on the first screen.

[0314] For example, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to display the second screen on a portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display that is visible within the half-fold state.

[0315] For example, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to determine the state of the foldable housing as the folded state based on identifying, using the at least one sensor, that the cover display among the flexible display and the cover display is viewable. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to determine the state of the foldable housing as the half-folded state based on identifying, using the at least one sensor, that a portion of a display area of ​​the flexible display is viewable together with the cover display. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to determine the state of the foldable housing as the unfolded state based on identifying, using the at least one sensor, that the entire display area of ​​the flexible display is viewable.

[0316] For example, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to deactivate the cover display based on detecting a transition from the half-fold state to the unfolded state while displaying the second screen. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to display a fourth screen, the fourth screen including at least partially content of the second screen, over the entire display area of ​​the flexible display.

[0317] For example, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to display a software keyboard as an overlay on the first screen displayed on the cover display based on receiving a first input for entering text on the first screen while displaying the second screen on the flexible display. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to display the software keyboard as an overlay on the second screen displayed on the flexible display based on receiving a second input for entering text on the second screen.

[0318] For example, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to switch the display on which the software keyboard is displayed between the flexible display and the cover display based on receiving a third input indicating selection of a designated visual object included in the software keyboard.

[0319] As described above, in one embodiment, a method performed by an electronic device may be provided. The electronic device may include a foldable housing including a first housing part, a second housing part rotatably coupled with the first housing part, and a third housing part rotatably coupled with the second housing part, a flexible display crossing the first housing part, the second housing part, and the third housing part, a cover display opposite the flexible display, and at least one sensor configured to detect at least one of a first angle between the first housing part and the second housing part, and a second angle between the second housing part and the third housing part. The method may include an operation of detecting a state of the foldable housing using the at least one sensor. The method may include an operation of displaying a first screen on the cover display based on detecting the state being in a folded state. The method may include an operation of detecting a transition from the folded state to a half-folded state while displaying the first screen on the cover display. The method may include an operation of maintaining the display of the first screen on the cover display based on detecting the transition while an event for multitasking has occurred. The method may include an operation of displaying a second screen on the flexible display. The method may include an operation of deactivating the cover display based on detecting the transition independently of the event. The method may include an operation of displaying a third screen on the flexible display, the third screen at least partially including content of the first screen.

[0320] For example, the act of displaying the second screen may include an act of displaying the second screen on the flexible display based on detecting the transition while receiving a user input based on a recognizable button on at least a portion of the foldable housing.

[0321] For example, the action of displaying the second screen may include an action of displaying the second screen that was displayed before the first screen on the flexible display.

[0322] For example, the method may include, while receiving the user input, displaying a list of software applications for selecting the second screen on the flexible display based on detecting the transition. The displaying of the second screen may include, based on another user input related to the list of software applications, displaying the second screen related to the other user input on the flexible display.

[0323] For example, the act of displaying the second screen may include an act of controlling a fingerprint sensor configured to detect a fingerprint contacted on the button while receiving the user input, thereby obtaining information related to the fingerprint contacted on the button. The method may include an act of executing a software application requesting authentication in response to authentication based on the information, thereby obtaining the second screen related to the software application.

[0324] For example, the action of displaying the second screen may include an action of acquiring the second screen by executing a software application related to the notification message based on detecting the transition while displaying the notification message on the first screen.

[0325] For example, the action of displaying the second screen may include an action of displaying the second screen on a portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display that is recognizable within the half-fold state.

[0326] For example, the detecting operation may include an operation of determining the state of the foldable housing as the folded state based on identifying, using the at least one sensor, that the cover display among the flexible display and the cover display is viewable. The method may include an operation of determining, using the at least one sensor, the state of the foldable housing as the half-folded state based on identifying, using the at least one sensor, that a portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display is viewable together with the cover display. The method may include an operation of determining, using the at least one sensor, the state of the foldable housing as the unfolded state based on identifying, using the at least one sensor, that the entire display area of ​​the flexible display is viewable.

[0327] For example, the method may include an operation of deactivating the cover display based on detecting a transition from the half-fold state to the unfolded state while displaying the second screen. The method may include an operation of displaying a fourth screen, at least partially including content of the second screen, over the entire display area of ​​the flexible display.

[0328] For example, the operation of displaying the second screen may include an operation of displaying a software keyboard as an overlay on the first screen displayed on the cover display based on receiving a first input for entering text on the first screen. The method may include an operation of displaying the software keyboard as an overlay on the second screen displayed on the flexible display based on receiving a second input for entering text on the second screen.

[0329] For example, the method may include switching a display on which the software keyboard is displayed between the flexible display and the cover display based on receiving a third input indicating selection of a designated visual object included in the software keyboard.

[0330] In one embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions may be provided. The instructions may be executed by an electronic device comprising a foldable housing comprising a first housing part, a second housing part rotatably coupled with the first housing part, and a third housing part rotatably coupled with the second housing part, a flexible display spanning the first housing part, the second housing part, and the third housing part, and a cover display opposite the flexible display. The instructions, when executed by the electronic device, may cause the electronic device to display a first screen on the cover display while the state of the foldable housing is in a folded state. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the electronic device, may cause the electronic device to identify, while displaying the first screen, that the state has transitioned from the folded state to a half-folded state. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the electronic device, may cause the electronic device to maintain display of the first screen on the cover display and to display a second screen on at least a portion of the flexible display based on identifying the transition together with an input for activating both the cover display and the flexible display.

[0331] According to one embodiment, as described above, an electronic device may include a foldable housing including a first housing part, a second housing part rotatably coupled with the first housing part, and a third housing part rotatably coupled with the second housing part, a flexible display crossing the first housing part, the second housing part, and the third housing part, a cover display opposite the flexible display, a memory storing instructions and including one or more storage media, and at least one processor including a processing circuit. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to display a first screen on the cover display while the state of the foldable housing is in a folded state. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to identify that the state has transitioned from the folded state to a half-fold state while displaying the first screen. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to maintain display of the first screen on the cover display and to display a second screen on at least a portion of the flexible display based on identifying the transition together with an input for activating both the cover display and the flexible display.

[0332] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media are provided that store one or more instructions, which when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor of a foldable electronic device, cause the foldable electronic device to perform operations. The foldable electronic device includes a first housing part, a second housing part rotatably coupled with the first housing part, and a third housing part rotatably coupled with the second housing part, a flexible display disposed across the first housing part, the second housing part, and the third housing part, a cover display positioned in a partial region opposite the flexible display, at least one first sensor configured to detect a first angle between the first housing part and the second housing part, and at least one second sensor configured to detect a second angle between the second housing part and the third housing part. The above operations include detecting a state of the foldable electronic device using at least one of the at least one first sensor or the at least one second sensor, displaying a first screen on the cover display while the foldable electronic device is in a fully folded state, detecting unfolding of the first housing part or the third housing part of the foldable electronic device in the fully folded state, and maintaining display of the first screen on the cover display based on detecting unfolding of the first housing part or the third housing part, and displaying a second screen on a partial area of ​​the flexible display.

[0333] For example, the above actions may include displaying the second screen on the flexible display based on identifying that the first housing part or the third housing part is unfolded while receiving a user input based on a recognizable button on at least a portion of the foldable housing.

[0334] As used herein, the term "if" will be understood to mean "when, upon," "in response to determining," or "in response to detecting," depending on the context. Similarly, "if it is determined to," or "if [the stated condition or event] is detected," will optionally be understood to mean "upon determining," or "in response to determining," "upon detecting [the stated condition or event]," or "in response to detecting [the stated condition or event]."

[0335] The devices described above may be implemented as hardware components, software components, and / or a combination of hardware components and software components. For example, the devices and components described in the embodiments may be implemented using one or more general-purpose computers or special-purpose computers, such as a processor, a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic unit (PLU), a microprocessor, or any other device capable of executing instructions and responding to them. The processing device may execute an operating system (OS) and one or more software applications running on the operating system. The processing device may also access, store, manipulate, process, and generate data in response to the execution of the software. For ease of understanding, the processing device is sometimes described as being used alone; however, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the processing device may include multiple processing elements and / or multiple types of processing elements. For example, a processing unit may include multiple processors, or a processor and a controller. Other processing configurations, such as parallel processors, are also possible.

[0336] Software may include a computer program, code, instructions, or a combination of one or more of these, which may configure a processing device to perform a desired operation or may independently or collectively command the processing device. The software and / or data may be embodied in any type of machine, component, physical device, computer storage medium, or device for interpretation by the processing device or for providing instructions or data to the processing device. The software may also be distributed over networked computer systems and stored or executed in a distributed manner. The software and data may be stored on one or more computer-readable recording media.

[0337] The method according to the embodiment may be implemented in the form of program commands that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. In this case, the medium may be one that continuously stores a computer-executable program or one that temporarily stores it for execution or download. In addition, the medium may be various recording means or storage means in the form of a single or multiple hardware combinations, and is not limited to a medium directly connected to a computer system, but may also be distributed over a network. Examples of the medium may include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and those configured to store program commands, including ROM, RAM, and flash memory. In addition, examples of other media may include recording media or storage media managed by app stores that distribute applications, sites that supply or distribute various software, servers, etc.

[0338] Although the embodiments described above have been described by way of limited examples and drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made based on the above teachings. For example, appropriate results can still be achieved even if the described techniques are performed in a different order than described, and / or components of the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. are combined or combined in a different manner than described, or are replaced or substituted with other components or equivalents.

[0339] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims also fall within the scope of the claims described below.

[0340] While the present disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. In a foldable electronic device, A foldable housing comprising a first housing part, a second housing part rotatably coupled with the first housing part, and a third housing part rotatably coupled with the second housing part; A flexible display arranged across the first housing part, the second housing part, and the third housing part; A cover display placed on a portion of the opposite side of the flexible display; At least one first sensor configured to detect a first angle between the first housing part and the second housing part; At least one second sensor configured to detect a second angle between the second housing part and the third housing part; A memory including one or more storage media for storing instructions; and At least one processor comprising a processing circuit, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the foldable electronic device to: Detecting a state of the foldable electronic device using at least one of the at least one first sensor or the at least one second sensor; While the foldable electronic device is in a fully folded state, a first screen is displayed on the cover display; While displaying the first screen on the cover display, detecting that the first housing part or the third housing part of the foldable electronic device in the folded state is opened, Based on detecting that the first housing part or the third housing part is opened, causing the first screen to be displayed on the cover display and the second screen to be displayed on a portion of the flexible display. Foldable electronic devices.

2. In claim 1, further comprising a recognizable button on at least a portion of the foldable housing, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the foldable electronic device to: Further causing the second screen to be displayed on the flexible display based on detecting that the first housing part or the third housing part is opened while receiving a user input based on the button. Foldable electronic devices.

3. In claim 2, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the foldable electronic device to: Further causing the second screen, which was displayed before the first screen, to be displayed on the flexible display based on detecting that the first housing part or the third housing part is opened while receiving the user input. Foldable electronic devices.

4. In claim 2, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the foldable electronic device to: While receiving the user input, based on detecting that the first housing part or the third housing part is opened, displaying a list of software applications for selecting the second screen on the flexible display; Further causing the second screen related to the other user input to be displayed on the flexible display based on another user input related to the list of said software applications. Foldable electronic devices.

5. In claim 2, Further comprising a fingerprint sensor configured to detect a fingerprint of a finger in contact with the above button, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the foldable electronic device to: While receiving the user input, controlling the fingerprint sensor to obtain information related to the fingerprint of the finger in contact with the button; In response to the authentication based on the above information, executing a software application requesting the authentication, thereby causing the second screen associated with the software application to be obtained. Foldable electronic devices.

6. In claim 1, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the foldable electronic device to: Further causing the second screen to be acquired by executing a software application related to the notification message based on detecting that the first housing part or the third housing part is opened while displaying the notification message on the first screen. Foldable electronic devices.

7. In claim 1, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the foldable electronic device to: Further causing the second screen to be displayed on a portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display that is visible by the first housing part or the third housing part that is opened. Foldable electronic devices.

8. In claim 1, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the foldable electronic device to: Determining the state of the foldable housing as the folded state based on identifying that the cover display is visible among the flexible display and the cover display using at least one of the at least one first sensor or the at least one second sensor; Based on detecting that either the first angle or the second angle is greater than a specified angle range associated with the folded state, detecting that a housing part corresponding to the angle among the first housing part or the third housing part is open; Determining the state of the foldable housing as a half-folded state based on identifying that a portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display is viewable together with the cover display using at least one of the at least one first sensor or the at least one second sensor; and Further causing the state of the foldable housing to be determined as an unfolded state based on identifying that the entire display area of ​​the flexible display is viewable using at least one of the at least one first sensor or the at least one second sensor. Foldable electronic devices.

9. In claim 8, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the foldable electronic device to: While displaying the second screen, based on detecting a transition from the semi-folded state to the unfolded state: Disable the above cover display; and Further causing a fourth screen to be displayed, at least partially including the content of the second screen, on the entire display area of ​​the flexible display. Foldable electronic devices.

10. In claim 1, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the foldable electronic device to: While displaying the second screen on the flexible display: Based on receiving a first input for entering text on the first screen, displaying a software keyboard as an overlay on the first screen displayed on the cover display; Further causing the software keyboard to be displayed as an overlay on the second screen displayed on the flexible display based on receiving a second input for entering text on the second screen. Foldable electronic devices.

11. In claim 10, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the foldable electronic device to: Further causing the display on which the software keyboard is displayed to be switched between the flexible display and the cover display based on receiving a third input indicating selection of a designated visual object included in the software keyboard. Foldable electronic devices.

12. A method performed by a foldable electronic device, wherein the electronic device comprises a foldable housing including a first housing part, a second housing part rotatably coupled with the first housing part, and a third housing part rotatably coupled with the second housing part, a flexible display arranged across the first housing part, the second housing part, and the third housing part, a cover display arranged in a portion of an opposite side of the flexible display, at least one first sensor configured to detect a first angle between the first housing part and the second housing part, and at least one second sensor configured to detect a second angle between the second housing part and the third housing part. An operation of detecting a state of the foldable electronic device using at least one of the at least one first sensor or the at least one second sensor; An operation of displaying a first screen on the cover display while the foldable electronic device is in a fully folded state; An action of detecting that the first housing part or the third housing part of the foldable electronic device in the folded state is opened while displaying the first screen on the cover display; An operation of maintaining the first screen displayed on the cover display and displaying the second screen on a portion of the flexible display based on detecting that the first housing part or the third housing part is opened. method.

13. In claim 12, the action of displaying the second screen is: An operation of displaying the second screen on the flexible display based on detecting that the first housing part or the third housing part is opened while receiving a user input based on a recognizable button on at least a portion of the foldable housing, method.

14. In claim 13, the action of displaying the second screen is: Including an action of displaying the second screen that was displayed before the first screen on the flexible display, method.

15. In claim 13, Further comprising an action of displaying a list of software applications for selecting the second screen on the flexible display based on detecting that the first housing part or the third housing part is opened while receiving the user input; The action of displaying the above second screen is: An operation of displaying the second screen related to the other user input on the flexible display based on another user input related to the list of the software applications, method.

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